Patients' perceptions of physical activity before and after joint replacement: a systematic review with meta-ethnographic analysis

Patient perspectives on home-based rehabilitation exercise and general physical activity after total hip arthroplasty: A qualitative study (PHETHAS-2)

Background: Home-based rehabilitation exercise following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) shows similar outcomes compared to supervised outpatient rehabilitation exercise. Little is known about patients' experiences with home-based rehabilitation, and this study aimed to investigate how patients perceived home-based rehabilitation exercise and general physical activity after THA, focusing on facilitators and barriers. Methods: Semi-structured interviews of qualitative design were conducted with 22 patients who had undergone THA and who had performed home-based rehabilitation exercise. The study took place in a regional hospital in Denmark between January 2018 and May 2019. Data were analyzed using an interpretive thematic analysis approach, with theoretical underpinning from the concept 'conduct of everyday life'. The study is embedded within the Pragmatic Home-Based Exercise Therapy after Total Hip Arthroplasty-Silkeborg trial (PHETHAS-1). Results: The main theme, 'wishing to return to the well-known everyday life', and four subthemes were identified. Generally, participants found the home-based rehabilitation exercise boring but were motivated by the goal of returning to their well-known everyday life and performing their usual general physical activities, though some lacked contact to physiotherapist. Participants enrolled in the PHETHAS-1 study used the enrollment as part of their motivation for doing the exercises.  Both pain and the absence of pain were identified as barriers for doing home-based rehabilitation exercise. Pain could cause insecurity about possible medical complications, while the absence of pain could lead to the rehabilitation exercise being perceived as pointless. Conclusions: The overall goal of returning to the well-known everyday life served as a facilitator for undertaking home-based rehabilitation exercise after THA along with the flexibility regarding time and place for performing exercises. Boring exercises as well as both pain and no pain were identified as barriers to the performance of home-based rehabilitation exercise. Participants were motivated towards performing general physical activities which were part of their everyday life.

Patient perspectives on home-based rehabilitation exercise and general physical activity after total hip arthroplasty: A qualitative study (PHETHAS-2)

Background: Home-based rehabilitation exercise following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) shows similar outcomes compared to supervised outpatient rehabilitation exercise. Little is known about patients' experiences with home-based rehabilitation, and this study aimed to investigate how patients perceived home-based rehabilitation exercise and general physical activity after THA, focusing on facilitators and barriers. Methods: Semi-structured interviews of qualitative design were conducted with 22 patients who had undergone THA and who had performed home-based rehabilitation exercise. The study took place in a regional hospital in Denmark between January 2018 and May 2019. Data were analyzed using an interpretive thematic analysis approach, with theoretical underpinning from the concept 'conduct of everyday life'. The study is embedded within the Pragmatic Home-Based Exercise Therapy after Total Hip Arthroplasty-Silkeborg trial (PHETHAS-1). Results: The main theme, 'wishing to return to the well-known everyday life', and four subthemes were identified. Generally, participants found the home-based rehabilitation exercise boring but were motivated by the goal of returning to their well-known everyday life and performing their usual general physical activities, though some lacked contact to physiotherapist. Participants enrolled in the PHETHAS-1 study used the enrollment as part of their motivation for doing the exercises.  Both pain and the absence of pain were identified as barriers for doing home-based rehabilitation exercise. Pain could cause insecurity about possible medical complications, while the absence of pain could lead to the rehabilitation exercise being perceived as pointless. Conclusions: The overall goal of returning to the well-known everyday life served as a facilitator for undertaking home-based rehabilitation exercise after THA along with the flexibility regarding time and place for performing exercises. Boring exercises as well as both pain and no pain were identified as barriers to the performance of home-based rehabilitation exercise. Participants were motivated towards performing general physical activities which were part of their everyday life.

Interactive Combinations Between Gait Speed and Physical Function at Acute Phase Can Predict the Physical Activity at 2 Years After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Classification and Regression Tree Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the interactive combinations of various clinical factors associated with physical activity (PA) at 2 years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A single university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

286 patients who underwent TKA (N=286).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

PA was assessed preoperatively, 3 weeks, and 2 years after TKA. Physical functions, namely, 10 m walking test (10MWT), timed Up and Go test, 1-leg standing time, isometric knee extension and flexion strength, knee joint stability, knee pain, femora-tibial angle, and the passive knee extension and flexion angle, were measured before surgery as a baseline and 3 weeks after TKA as acute phase. CART analysis was conducted to clarify the interactive combinations that accurately predict the PA at 2 years after TKA.

RESULTS

The results of CART analysis indicated that gait speed (≥1.05 m/s) at the acute phase after TKA was the primal predictor for the postoperative PA at 2 years. The highest postoperative PA at 2 years was determined by gait speed (≥1.05 m/s) and PA (>74.5) at the acute phase. The PA at baseline and at acute phase, as well as the body mass index were also selected as predictors of postoperative PA at 2 years.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that acquiring gait speed (≥1.05 m/s) and PA (>74.5) in the postoperative acute phase is the predictive of a high PA at 2 years after TKA.

Effectiveness of promotion and support for physical activity maintenance post total hip arthroplasty-study protocol for a pragmatic, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial (the PANORAMA trial)

Background

Total hip arthroplasty is considered an efficacious procedure for relieving pain and disability, but despite that objectively measured physical activity level remains unchanged compared to pre-surgery and is still considerably lower than that of a healthy age- and sex-matched population 6–12 months post-surgery. Since there is a graded relationship between physical activity level and functional performance, increasing physical activity may enhance the outcome of the procedure. This study aims to investigate whether promotion and support of physical activity initiated 3 months after total hip arthroplasty complementary to usual rehabilitation care can increase objective measured physical activity 6 months post-surgery.

Methods

The trial is designed as a pragmatic, parallel group, two-arm, assessor-blinded, superiority, randomized (1:1), controlled trial with post intervention follow-up 6 and 12 months after total hip arthroplasty. Home-dwelling, independent, and self-reliant patients with hip osteoarthritis are provisionally enrolled prior to surgery and re-screened about 2–3 months post-surgery to confirm eligibility. Baseline assessment is conducted 3 months post-surgery. Subsequently, patients (n=200) are randomized to either a 3-month, multimodal physical activity promotion/education intervention or control (no further attention). The intervention consists of face-to-face and telephone counselling, patient education material, pedometer, and step-counting journal. The primary outcome is objectively measured physical activity, specifically the proportion of patients that complete on average ≥8000 steps per day 6 months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include core outcomes (i.e., physical function, pain, and patient global assessment) and health-related quality of life. Furthermore, we will explore the effect of the intervention on self-efficacy and outcome expectations (i.e., tertiary outcomes).

Discussion

By investigating the effectiveness of a pedometer-driven, face-to-face, and telephone-assisted counselling, behavior change intervention in complementary to usual rehabilitation, we hope to deliver applicable and generalizable knowledge to support physical activity after total hip arthroplasty and potentially enhance the outcome of the procedure.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.govNCT04471532. Registered on July 15, 2020.

Randomised controlled trial of a behaviour change physiotherapy intervention to increase physical activity following hip and knee replacement: the PEP-TALK trial

OBJECTIVE

To test the effectiveness of a behaviour change physiotherapy intervention to increase physical activity compared with usual rehabilitation after total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR).

DESIGN

Multicentre, pragmatic, two-arm, open, randomised controlled, superiority trial.

SETTING

National Health Service providers in nine English hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

224 individuals aged ≥18 years, undergoing a primary THR or TKR deemed 'moderately inactive' or 'inactive'.

INTERVENTION

Participants received either six, 30 min, weekly, group-based exercise sessions (usual care) or the same six weekly, group-based, exercise sessions each preceded by a 30 min cognitive behaviour discussion group aimed at challenging barriers to physical inactivity following surgery (experimental).

RANDOMISATION AND BLINDING

Initial 75 participants were randomised 1:1 before changing the allocation ratio to 2:1 (experimental:usual care). Allocation was based on minimisation, stratifying on comorbidities, operation type and hospital. There was no blinding.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Score at 12 months. Secondary: 6 and 12-month assessed function, pain, self-efficacy, kinesiophobia, psychological distress and quality of life.

RESULTS

Of the 1254 participants assessed for eligibility, 224 were included (139 experimental: 85 usual care). Mean age was 68.4 years (SD: 8.7), 63% were women, 52% underwent TKR. There was no between-group difference in UCLA score (mean difference: -0.03 (95% CI -0.52 to 0.45, p=0.89)). There were no differences observed in any of the secondary outcomes at 6 or 12 months. There were no important adverse events in either group. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the reduced intended sample size (target 260) and reduced intervention compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence to suggest attending usual care physiotherapy sessions plus a group-based behaviour change intervention differs to attending usual care physiotherapy alone. As the trial could not reach its intended sample size, nor a proportion of participants receive their intended rehabilitation, this should be interpreted with caution.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN29770908.

Objectively Measured Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Functional Performance before and after Lower Limb Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Patients after joint arthroplasty tend to be less physically active; however, studies measuring objective physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in these patients provide conflicting results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess objectively measured PA, SB and performance at periods up to and greater than 12 months after lower limb arthroplasty. Two electronic databases (PubMed and Medline) were searched to identify prospective and cross-sectional studies from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2020. Studies including objectively measured SB, PA or specific performance tests in patients with knee or hip arthroplasty, were included in the analyses both pre- and post-operatively. The risk of bias was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). After identification and exclusion, 35 studies were included. The data were analyzed using the inverse variance method with the random effects model and expressed as standardized mean difference and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. In total, we assessed 1943 subjects with a mean age of 64.9 (±5.85). Less than 3 months post-operative, studies showed no differences in PA, SB and performance. At 3 months post-operation, there was a significant increase in the 6 min walk test (6MWT) (SMD 0.65; CI: 0.48, 0.82). After 6 months, changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (SMD 0.33; CI: 0.20, 0.46) and the number of steps (SMD 0.45; CI: 0.34, 0.54) with a large decrease in the timed-up-and-go test (SMD −0.61; CI: −0.94, −0.28) and increase in the 6MWT (SMD 0.62; CI: 0.26–0.98) were observed. Finally, a large increase in MVPA (SMD 0.70; CI: 0.53–0.87) and a moderate increase in step count (SMD 0.52; CI: 0.36, 0.69) were observed after 12 months. The comparison between patients and healthy individuals pre-operatively showed a very large difference in the number of steps (SMD −1.02; CI: −1.42, −0.62), but not at 12 months (SMD −0.75; −1.89, 0.38). Three to six months after knee or hip arthroplasty, functional performance already exceeded pre-operative levels, yet PA levels from this time period remained the same. Although PA and functional performance seemed to fully restore and exceed the pre-operation levels at six to nine months, SB did not. Moreover, PA remained lower compared to healthy individuals even longer than twelve months post-operation. Novel rehabilitation protocols and studies should focus on the effects of long-term behavioral changes (increasing PA and reducing SB) as soon as functional performance is restored.

Perceptions of Physical Activity and the Use of Activity Monitors to Increase Activity Levels in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement

Objective

Although most total knee replacement (TKR) recipients report less pain and improved function after TKR, many remain sedentary. We aimed to understand TKR recipients’ motivations for undergoing TKR, perceptions of and goals related to physical activity, and the role, if any, that activity monitors might play in their recovery.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study, individually interviewing 27 participants who had recently undergone or were about to undergo TKR. We conducted a thematic analysis to better understand participants’ views of the benefits and barriers to physical activity after TKR.

Results

We identified nine themes and one subtheme that identify patients’ initial motivations for undergoing TKR and may help TKR recipients achieve increased activity levels and a perceived successful recovery. Some key messages that emerged from our work include the following: exercise is necessary for physical and mental health, pain and functional limitation interfere with daily life, tracking steps motivates individuals to increase activity levels, and different incentives (for engaging in physical exercise and using an activity monitor) are effective for different individuals.

Conclusion

Participants recognized the health benefits of physical activity, and many believed activity monitor use would help them become more active after surgery. Both external and internal factors played a role in motivating individuals to become more active and wear activity monitors.

Outpatient physiotherapy versus home-based rehabilitation for patients at risk of poor outcomes after knee arthroplasty: CORKA RCT

BACKGROUND

Over 100,000 primary knee arthroplasty operations are undertaken annually in the UK. Around 15-30% of patients do not report a good outcome. Better rehabilitation strategies may improve patient-reported outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the outcomes from a traditional outpatient physiotherapy model with those from a home-based rehabilitation programme for people assessed as being at risk of a poor outcome after knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

An individually randomised, two-arm controlled trial with a blinded outcome assessment, a parallel health economic evaluation and a nested qualitative study.

SETTING

The trial took place in 14 NHS physiotherapy departments.

PARTICIPANTS

People identified as being at high risk of a poor outcome after knee arthroplasty.

INTERVENTIONS

A multicomponent home-based rehabilitation package delivered by rehabilitation assistants with supervision from qualified therapists compared with usual-care outpatient physiotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were the Oxford Knee Score (a disease-specific measure of function); Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score; Quality of Life subscale; Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly; EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version; and physical function assessed using the Figure-of-8 Walk Test, 30-Second Chair Stand Test and Single Leg Stance. Data on the use of health-care services, time off work and informal care were collected using participant diaries.

RESULTS

In total, 621 participants were randomised. A total of 309 participants were assigned to the COmmunity based Rehabilitation after Knee Arthroplasty (CORKA) home-based rehabilitation programme, receiving a median of five treatment sessions (interquartile range 4-7 sessions). A total of 312 participants were assigned to usual care, receiving a median of four sessions (interquartile range 2-6 sessions). The primary outcome, Late Life Function and Disability Instrument function total score at 12 months, was collected for 279 participants (89%) in the home-based CORKA group and 287 participants (92%) in the usual-care group. No clinically or statistically significant difference was found between the groups (intention-to-treat adjusted difference 0.49 points, 95% confidence interval -0.89 to 1.88 points; p = 0.48). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in any of the patient-reported or physical secondary outcome measures at 6 or 12 months post randomisation. The health economic analysis found that the CORKA intervention was cheaper to provide than usual care (£66 less per participant). Total societal costs (combining health-care costs and other costs) were lower for the CORKA intervention than usual care (£316 less per participant). Adopting a societal perspective, CORKA had a 75% probability of being cost-effective at a threshold of £30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. Adopting the narrower health and social care perspective, CORKA had a 43% probability of being cost-effective at the same threshold.

LIMITATIONS

The interventions were of short duration and were set within current commissioning guidance for UK physiotherapy. Participants and treating therapists could not be blinded.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomised controlled trial found no important differences in outcomes when post-arthroplasty rehabilitation was delivered using a home-based, rehabilitation assistant-delivered rehabilitation package or a traditional outpatient model. However, the health economic evaluation found that when adopting a societal perspective, the CORKA home-based intervention was cost-saving and more effective than, and thus dominant over, usual care, owing to reduced time away from paid employment for this group. Further research could look at identifying the risk of poor outcome and further evaluation of a cost-effective treatment, including the workforce model to deliver it.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN13517704.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 65. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Behaviour change physiotherapy intervention to increase physical activity following hip and knee replacement (PEP-TALK): study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

While total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) successfully reduce pain associated with chronic joint pathology, this infrequently translates into increased physical activity. This is a challenge given that over 50% of individuals who undergo these operations are physically inactive and have medical comorbidities such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and depression. The impact of these diseases can be reduced with physical activity. This trial aims to investigate the effectiveness of a behaviour change physiotherapy intervention to increase physical activity compared with usual rehabilitation after THR or TKR.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The PEP-TALK trial is a multicentre, open-labelled, pragmatic randomised controlled trial. 260 adults who are scheduled to undergo a primary unilateral THR or TKR and are moderately inactive or inactive, with comorbidities, will be recruited across eight sites in England. They will be randomised post-surgery, prior to hospital discharge, to either six, 30 min weekly group-based exercise sessions (control), or the same six weekly, group-based, exercise sessions each preceded by a 30 min cognitive behaviour approach discussion group. Participants will be followed-up to 12 months by postal questionnaire. The primary outcome is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Physical Activity Score at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include: physical function, disability, health-related quality of life, kinesiophobia, perceived pain, self-efficacy and health resource utilisation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Research ethics committee approval was granted by the NRES Committee South Central (Oxford B - 18/SC/0423). Dissemination of results will be through peer-reviewed, scientific journals and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN29770908.

Increased Muscle Strength Limits Postural Sway During Daily Living Activities in Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients

Supplemental digital content is available in the text.

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of maximal strength training on postural sway after total hip arthroplasty, performed before and after a battery of physical performance tests that resemble daily living activities.

Design

This study is an exploratory study based on data from a 3-mo randomized controlled trial involving 54 total hip arthroplasty patients performing maximal strength training or conventional rehabilitation. At 3, 6, and 12 mos postoperatively, postural sway was evaluated in two gait tests; ie, one test before and one test after conducting a battery of physical performance tests.

Results

At 3 mos postoperatively, postural sway in the test after was significantly higher for the conventional rehabilitation group than the maximal strength training group (P = 0.045); however, there was no between-group difference at the test before (P = 0.670). Postural sway was also significantly higher in the test after compared with the test before in the conventional rehabilitation group (P < 0.001). No difference was found between the test before and test after in the maximal strength training group (P = 0.713). At 6 and 12 mos postoperatively, there were no statistically significant within- or between-group differences in postural sway.

Conclusions

Increased muscular strength limits postural sway 3 mos postoperatively in total hip arthroplasty patients after a demanding battery of physical performance tests simulating daily living activities.

Does total shoulder arthroplasty improve patients' activity levels?

BACKGROUND

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) decreases pain, improves range of motion, and increases strength. Whether these improvements translate to improvements in activity levels postoperatively remains unknown. The Shoulder Activity Level (SAL) is a valid and reliable outcomes survey that measures the patient's activity level. Currently, no studies have specifically examined the effect of TSA on SAL.

METHODS

A prospective collection of preoperative, patient-determined outcomes on patients undergoing TSA was compared with postoperative scores at a minimum of 2 years. These scores included the SAL, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (WOOS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standardized Shoulder Assessment, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing primary anatomic TSA or reverse TSA.

RESULTS

A mean follow-up of 3.7 years was available for 80 anatomic and 42 reverse TSAs. Anatomic TSAs had improvements from median preoperative scores to median postoperative scores for WOOS (34 to 89; P < .0001), ASES (30 to 87; P < .0001), SST (2 to 9; P < .0001), and SANE scores (23 to 90; P < .0001). The SAL improved from 7 to 8 but did not quite reach statistical significance (P = .07). Reverse TSAs had improvements from median preoperative scores to median postoperative scores for WOOS (31 to 83; P < .0001), ASES (29 to 82; P < .0001), SST (2 to 7; P < .0001), and SANE scores (20 to 85; P < .0001). The SAL improved from 4.5 to 6, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = .38). However, when anatomic and reverse TSAs were analyzed together, a statistically significant improvement was found postoperatively in the SAL (from 6 to 8; P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomic TSA and reverse TSA improved activity levels. In addition, disease-specific and joint-specific quality of life scores all had statistically significant improvements. This study suggests that after shoulder arthroplasty patients in general have (1) significant improvements in their quality of life and (2) have small improvements in activity level. This study shows that most patients do not have to decrease their activity levels to diminish symptoms to an acceptable range.

Rehabilitation strategies for optimisation of functional recovery after major joint replacement

Exercise-based interventions applied before and after total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA, respectively) have been investigated for a number of years, based on the assumption that they will enhance post-operative recovery. Although recent studies suggest that high-volume, pre-operative exercise may enhance post-operative recovery after TKA, studies of post-operative exercise-based interventions, have not found superiority of one exercise regime over another. It seems, however, that post-operative, exercise-based, rehabilitation is superior to no or minimal rehabilitation after THA and TKA.The goal of this commentary is to summarize recent evidence for the efficacy of different peri-operative exercise-based interventions to enhance recovery after THA and TKA, and to propose new strategies to further enhance post-operative recovery.There is a major need to improve functional recovery after THA and TKA. We propose a strategy of "enriched" trials where specific rehabilitation interventions are applied to different patients based on, for example, their expectations for post-operative recovery, willingness to undertake exercise and physical activity, and pre-operative functional performance.

Comorbidities in the first 2 years after arthroscopic hip surgery: substantial increases in mental health disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse and cardiometabolic conditions

Objectives

We aimed to identify the rate of seven comorbidities (mental health disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse disorders, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic syndrome, systemic arthropathy and sleep disorders) that occurred within 2 years after hip arthroscopy.

Methods

Data from individuals (ages 18–50 years) undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery between 2004 and 2013 were collected from the Military Health System (MHS) Data Repository (MDR). The MDR captures all healthcare encounters in all settings and locations for individuals within the MHS. Person-level data over 36 months were pulled and aggregated. Seven comorbidities related to poor outcomes from musculoskeletal disorders (mental health disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse disorders, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic syndrome, systemic arthropathy and sleep disorders) were examined 12 months prior and 24 months after surgery. Changes in frequencies were calculated as were differences in proportions between presurgery and postsurgery.

Results

1870 subjects were identified (mean age 32.24 years; 55.5% men) and analysed. There were statistically significant increases (p<0.001) proportionally for all comorbidities after surgery. Relative to baseline, cases of mental health disorders rose 84%, chronic pain diagnoses increased 166%, substance abuse disorders rose 57%, cardiovascular disorders rose by 71%, metabolic syndrome cases rose 85.9%, systemic arthropathy rose 132% and sleep disorders rose 111%.

Conclusions

Major (potentially ‘hidden’) clinical comorbidities increased substantially after elective arthroscopic hip surgery when compared with preoperative status. These comorbidities appear to have been overlooked in major studies evaluating the benefits and risks of arthroscopic hip surgery.

Level of evidence

Prognostic, level III.

A randomized controlled trial on maximal strength training in 60 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty

Background and purpose - Total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients have reduced muscle strength after rehabilitation. In a previous efficacy trial, 4 weeks' early supervised maximal strength training (MST) increased muscle strength in unilateral THA patients <65 years. We have now evaluated muscle strength in an MST and in a conventional physiotherapy (CP) group after rehabilitation in regular clinical practice. Patients and methods - 60 primary THA patients were randomized to MST or CP between August 2015 and February 2016. The MST group trained at 85-90% of their maximal capacity in leg press and abduction of the operated leg (4 × 5 repetitions), 3 times a week at a municipal physiotherapy institute up to 3 months postoperatively. The CP group followed a training program designed by their respective physiotherapist, mainly exercises performed with low or no external loads. Patients were tested pre- 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Primary outcomes were abduction and leg press strength at 3 months. Other parameters evaluated were pain, 6-min walk test, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) Physical Function Short-form score. Results - 27 patients in each group completed the intervention. MST patients were substantially stronger in leg press and abduction than CP patients 3 (43 kg and 3 kg respectively) and 6 months (30 kg and 3 kg respectively) postoperatively (p ≤ 0.002). 1 year postoperatively, no intergroup differences were found. No other statistically significant intergroup differences were found. Interpretation - MST increases muscle strength more than CP in THA patients up to 6 months postoperatively, after 3 months' rehabilitation in clinical practice. It was well tolerated by the THA patients and seems feasible to conduct within regular clinical practice.

Participation in Regular Physical Activity After Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Type

OBJECTIVE

To describe the rates of participation in regular physical activity presurgery and at 3 years follow-up after knee or hip arthroplasty, and to describe factors associated with participation postsurgery and types of activity undertaken.

METHODS

A previously acquired multicenter, prospective cohort of knee or hip arthroplasty recipients was followed up for 3 years postsurgery. Regular participation in physical activity was defined as participation in physical activity ≥1 time/week, excluding incidental activities. Participants were interviewed about current participation as well as participation in the year presurgery. Joint-specific and health-related quality-of-life scores and information on experience of major complications were obtained. Information about comorbidity and body weight were updated. Factors associated with 3-year physical activity participation were determined using multivariable logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

In total, 73.4% of the eligible cohort (1,289 of 1,757) were followed up (718 patients with total knee arthroplasty, and 571 patients with total hip arthroplasty). Participation profiles were similar regardless of the joint replaced. Participation in physical activity increased postsurgery in the combined cohort (from 45.2% to 63.5%; P < 0.001). Participation at 3 years was associated with participation presurgery (P < 0.0001), better 3-year quality of life (P < 0.001), younger age (P = 0.002), better 3-year joint scores (P = 0.01), >1 lifetime arthroplasty (P = 0.02), and higher education level (P = 0.04). Low-impact and nonambulatory activities significantly increased postsurgery with no change in high-impact activities.

CONCLUSION

Participation rates increased postsurgery when recovery was stable, but approximately one-third of arthroplasty recipients did not engage in physical activity at least once per week. Because participation is associated with habitual activity presurgery, a potential role for behavior change interventions is suggested. The increase in nonambulatory activities indicates that current devices measuring ambulatory activity alone are inadequate for capturing physical activity.

Does physical activity change following hip and knee replacement? Matched case-control study evaluating Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether physical activity measured using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), changes during the initial 24 months post-total hip (THR) or knee replacement (TKR), and how this compares to a matched non-arthroplasty cohort.

DESIGN

Case-controlled study analysis of a prospectively collected dataset.

SETTING

USA community-based.

PARTICIPANTS

116 people post-THR, 105 people post-TKR compared to 663 people who had not undergone THR or TKR, or had hip or knee osteoarthritis. Cohorts were age-, gender- and BMI-matched.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Physical activity assessed using the 12-item PASE at 12 and 24 months post operatively.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in total PASE score between pre-operative to 12 months (mean: 136 vs 135 points; p=0.860) or 24 months following THR (mean: 136 vs 132 points; p=0.950). Whilst there was no significant difference in total PASE score from pre-operative to 12 months post-TKR (126 vs 121 points; p=0.930), by 24 months people following TKR reported significantly greater physical activity (126 vs 142 points; p=0.040). There was no statistically significant difference in physical activity between the normative matched and THR (p≥0.140) or TKR (p≥0.060) cohorts at 12 or 24 months post joint replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity is not appreciably different to pre-operative levels at 12 or 24 months post-THR, but was greater at 24 months following TKR. Health promotion strategies are needed to encourage greater physical activity participation following joint replacement, and particularly targeting those who undergo THR.

Changes in social isolation and loneliness following total hip and knee arthroplasty: longitudinal analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) cohort

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and change in social isolation and loneliness in people before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in England.

DESIGN

The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) dataset, a prospective study of community-dwelling older adults, was used to identify people who had undergone primary THA or TKA because of osteoarthritis. Social isolation was assessed using the ELSA Social Isolation Index. Loneliness was evaluated using the Revised University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. The prevalence of social isolation and loneliness were calculated and multilevel modelling was performed to assess the potential change of these measures before arthroplasty, within a two-year operative-recovery phase and a following two-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 393 people following THA and TKA. The prevalence of social isolation and loneliness changed from 16.9% to 18.8% pre-operative to 21.8% and 18.9% at the final post-operative follow-up respectively. This was not a statistically significant change for either measure (P = 0.15; P = 0.74). There was a significant difference in social isolation at the recovery phase compared to the pre-operative phase (P = 0.01), where people following arthroplasty reported an increase in social isolation (16.9-21.4%). There was no significant difference between the assessment phases in respect to UCLA Loneliness Scale score (P ≥ 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the negative physical and psychological consequences which social isolation and loneliness can have on individuals following THA or TKA, clinicians should be mindful of this health challenge for this population. The reported prevalence of social isolation and loneliness suggests this is an important issue.

Development and use of a content search strategy for retrieving studies on patients' views and preferences

BACKGROUND

Identifying scientific literature addressing patients' views and preferences is complex due to the wide range of studies that can be informative and the poor indexing of this evidence. Given the lack of guidance we developed a search strategy to retrieve this type of evidence.

METHODS

We assembled an initial list of terms from several sources, including the revision of the terms and indexing of topic-related studies and, methods research literature, and other relevant projects and systematic reviews. We used the relative recall approach, evaluating the capacity of the designed search strategy for retrieving studies included in relevant systematic reviews for the topic. We implemented in practice the final version of the search strategy for conducting systematic reviews and guidelines, and calculated search's precision and the number of references needed to read (NNR).

RESULTS

We assembled an initial version of the search strategy, which had a relative recall of 87.4% (yield of 132/out of 151 studies). We then added some additional terms from the studies not initially identified, and re-tested this improved version against the studies included in a new set of systematic reviews, reaching a relative recall of 85.8% (151/out of 176 studies, 95% CI 79.9 to 90.2). This final version of the strategy includes two sets of terms related with two domains: "Patient Preferences and Decision Making" and "Health State Utilities Values". When we used the search strategy for the development of systematic reviews and clinical guidelines we obtained low precision values (ranging from 2% to 5%), and the NNR from 20 to 50.

CONCLUSIONS

This search strategy fills an important research gap in this field. It will help systematic reviewers, clinical guideline developers, and policy-makers to retrieve published research on patients' views and preferences. In turn, this will facilitate the inclusion of this critical aspect when formulating heath care decisions, including recommendations.

Changes in physical activity following total hip or knee arthroplasty: a matched case-control study from the EPIC-Norfolk cohort

Objective:

To assess self-reported physical activity changes pre- compared to post-operatively in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty, and to compare this to an age- and gender-matched cohort of people who have not undergone arthroplasty.

Design:

Population-based prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Norfolk, United Kingdom.

Subjects:

People who had undergone hip or knee arthroplasty, compared to an age- and gender-matched non-arthroplasty cohort.

Intervention:

Primary total hip or knee arthroplasty.

Main measures:

Physical activity, measured using the EPIC Physical Activity Questionnaire (EPAQ2).

Results:

A total of 400 people from the EPIC-Norfolk community cohort were identified who had undergone hip or knee arthroplasty. In all, 767 people were identified to form an age- and gender-matched non-arthroplasty cohort. Mean post-operative follow-up was 43 months post-total hip and 41 months post-total knee arthroplasty. There was a statistically significant reduction from pre- to post-arthroplasty in the number of flights of stairs climbed weekly (hip: mean difference (MD): 6.8; P < 0.01; knee: MD: 10.2; P < 0.01), duration of walking (hip: MD: 1.4 hours/week; P = .02; knee: MD: 2.2 hours/week; P < 0.01) and duration of total recreational activity (hip: MD: 1.1 hours/week; P = 0.02). Compared to the non-arthroplasty cohort, duration of physical activity was lower post-total hip arthroplasty (MD: 1.8 hours/week; P = 0.01). The number of flights of stairs climbed weekly (MD: 12.0; P < 0.01), total recreational activity (MD: 1.7 hours/week; P = 0.04) and physical activity energy expenditure (MD: 5.7 Mets-hours/week; P = 0.05) were lower for people post-total knee arthroplasty compared to the matched controls.

Conclusions:

Physical activity did not increase, and in some instances decreased, following total hip or knee arthroplasty.

Medical morbidities in people following hip and knee arthroplasty: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

BACKGROUND

Total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty are common orthopaedic procedures most frequently for older people. Whilst it is known that this older population frequently present with medical morbidities, no studies have previously documented the prevalence of such morbidities in people who have undergone THA or TKA.The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and what factors are in association with the presentation of medical morbidities in these populations.

METHODS

Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a population-based observational study, was assessed. In total 419 people who had undergone a THA or TKA were assessed to determine the prevalence of recorded morbidities within 12 months post-arthroplasty. All medical morbidities were then assessed using univariate and then multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors influencing the presentation of specific morbidities at 12 months following THA or TKA.

RESULTS

The most common medical morbidities included: osteoporosis (16 %), mild-to-moderate depression (8 %), cancer (8 %), diabetes (6 %), history of stroke or TIA (6 %) and asthma (5 %). The medical morbidities demonstrated are similar between those who undergo THA and TKA. Only gender and ethnic origin were identified as statistically significant predictors of medical morbidities in these populations. Gender was a predictor of history of heart failure, whilst ethnic origin significantly predicted depression.

CONCLUSIONS

People who undergo THA or TKA may present with a variety of medical morbidities. Accordingly consideration should be made on how to encourage the adoption and maintenance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices for this population.