A Randomized Study of Exercise and Fitness Trackers in Obese Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty

• Published in: The Orthopedic clinics of North America Vol. 50; no. 1; p. 35
• Main Authors: Smith, Webb A, Zucker-Levin, Audrey, Mihalko, William M, Williams, Michael, Loftin, Mark, Gurney, James G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2019
• Subjects: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee - rehabilitation; Comorbidity; Exercise - physiology; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Fitness Trackers; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Knee Joint - physiopathology; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity - epidemiology; Obesity - physiopathology; Obesity - rehabilitation; Osteoarthritis, Knee - epidemiology; Osteoarthritis, Knee - physiopathology; Osteoarthritis, Knee - surgery; Quality of Life; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; United States - epidemiology; Total knee arthroplasty; Fitness trackers; Exercise intervention; Fitness; Quality of life
• ISSN: 1558-1373
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2018.08.002

Functional limitations persist in obese patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study assessed the effect of an exercise program (EP) and fitness trackers (FT) in obese patients with TKA. Sixty patients 1 year after orthopedic surgery were recruited and received a 16-week tailored EP; half were randomized to receive an FT. FT had no measurable effect compared with EP alone. EP improved knee range of motion, strength, and quality-of-life scores. This study provides preliminary evidence that a 16-week EP in obese individuals 1 year post TKA is feasible and effective in improving function and quality of life.