Abstract
Aim: To determine if a self-directed pedalling protocol following total knee replacement surgery was
superior to standard multi-exercise non-pedalling physiotherapy.
Design: Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat
analysis.
Method: Sixty TKR patients were randomized to receive postoperative physiotherapy involving either a 3-
exercise pedalling-based (3-Ex-Pedal-Group) or a standard 10-exercise, non-pedalling protocol (10-Ex-
NonPedal-Group). Outcomes were assessed at 2 days, 2 weeks, and 4 months, and included tests of
function, patient-reported outcomes, and other perioperative measures.
Results: For the primary outcome, the 6-minute walk test, distance walked was further in the 3-Ex-Pedal-
Group at 2 days (p = 0.001). The 10-m walk (10MWT) and the Timed Up & Go (TUG) tests, were faster for
the 3-Ex-Pedal-Group at 2 days (p = 0.016, p = 0.020). Oxford Knee Scores were better in the 3-Ex-Pedal-
Group at 2 days (p = 0.034) and at 2 weeks (p = 0.007), as was the EQ-5D score at 2 weeks (p = 0.037). The
EQ-5D-VAS was better for the 3-Ex-Pedal-Group at all three time points (p = 0.031, p = 0.050, and p = 0.044).
Length of stay was shorter, by a half-day, for the 3-Ex-Pedal-Group (p = 0.024). The 10-Ex-Nonpedal-Group
was not superior for any outcome at any time point.
Conclusion: A pedalling-based protocol after TKR was superior to a standard multi-exercise physiotherapy
protocol with these benefits decreasing over time.
Key Practice Points:
• An inexpensive and self-directed pedalling protocol is superior for patients than standard multiexercise
physiotherapy following total knee replacement surgery.
Proposed impact, if any, on the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:
As pedalling on a simple set of floor pedals is relatively inexpensive and can be done as a self-directed home
program it would be an easily adopted protocol for those living in regional or remote areas.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 254 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Oct 2019 |
| Event | TRANSFORM 2019 Physiotherapy Conference - Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia Duration: 17 Oct 2019 → 19 Oct 2019 https://transform.physio/ https://transform.physio/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Abstract_Book_Adelaide_2019.pdf (Book of Abstracts) https://transform.physio/#program |
Conference
| Conference | TRANSFORM 2019 Physiotherapy Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | APA |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Adelaide |
| Period | 17/10/19 → 19/10/19 |
| Internet address |