Movement pattern biofeedback training after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Habitual movement compensations, such as decreased surgical peak knee extension moments (pKEM), persist years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), are linked to poorer recovery, and may influence contralateral osteoarthritis (OA) progression. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to determine if a movement training program (MOVE) improves movement quality and recovery after TKA compared to a standardized rehabilitation program without movement training (CONTROL).

Methods: One hundred thirty-eight individuals were randomized to either MOVE or CONTROL groups after TKA. Subjects were assessed preoperatively, 10 weeks (end of intervention), and 6 months (primary endpoint) after TKA. Outcomes assessed were pKEM during walking, Six-minute Walk Test, Stair Climb Test, 30-second Sit to Stand Test (30 STS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), physical activity level, strength, range of motion, and self-reported outcomes.

Results: At 6 months, there were no between-group differences in surgical pKEM during walking (primary outcome). The MOVE group exhibited less contralateral pKEM compared to CONTROL during self-selected gait speed (d = 0.44, p=.01). CONTROL performed better on TUG and 30STS at 10 weeks (p<0.05) but differences attenuated at 6 months.

Conclusions: The MOVE intervention did not lead to improved surgical pKEM during walking after TKA compared to CONTROL. However, the MOVE group did demonstrate less contralateral pKEM during walking. The CONTROL group demonstrated faster recovery on the TUG and 30 STS but it is unknown if this is due to improved recovery in the surgical knee or increased movement compensation relying on contralateral knee function.