Currents

New UWL research offers hope for enhanced recovery after total knee replacement

A recent study from UW-La Crosse highlights a promising approach to rehabilitation for patients recovering from total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Researchers at the La Crosse Institute of Movement Science (LIMS) found that providing real-time force data to patients can significantly improve load symmetry between their limbs, a crucial factor in recovery.  

Load symmetry — maintaining equal weight distribution across both legs — is vital for enhancing balance and stability during movement. Improved symmetry can lead to better overall health outcomes, particularly for patients undergoing TKR, a procedure expected to increase by 401% by 2024.   

 “In achieving load symmetry, we can enhance rehabilitation effectiveness and reduce the risk of further complications,” says Steni Sackiriyas, assistant professor of the Health Professions Department at UWL.

The study involved 26 TKR patients performing squats and leg presses at an outpatient sports medicine clinic. Researchers measured load asymmetry using Loadpad-in-shoe sensors, which measured the Load Symmetry Index (LSI) — a ratio indicating the balance between opposing limbs. Results showed a remarkable 43% decline in LSI during squats and a 6% decline during leg presses immediately after feedback training. Reaching an LSI of 0 is the goal, which means the legs receive equal amount of weight.  

“A 43% reduction and 6% reduction are a potential indicator of improving balance in weight bearing on both legs,” explains the co-author, Thomas Kernozek, Professor of the Health Professions Department and Director of the LIMS at UWL.   

The current knee rehabilitation process focuses on improving strength, reducing pain, and improving range of motion deficits. While these are important factors, ensuring patients are not placing excessive weight on the non-surgical limb is critical to the rehabilitation process as applying too much weight to the non-surgical limb has been reported to increase the need for total knee replacement on that limb.   

While the initial results were encouraging, the benefits did not persist beyond a week. This underscores the need for ongoing or varied feedback methods to sustain improvements in load symmetry, adds Sackiriyas.   

“It’s essential to address symmetry early in rehabilitation to prevent undue stress on the non-surgical limb, which can increase the risk of requiring additional surgery,” Sackiriyas adds.   

Researchers include Drew Rutherford, Becky Heinert, and Gwen Fritz. For more details, visit the full study: International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.