Comparative Study of Body Mass Index Effects on Physical Therapy Results after Total Knee Arthroplasty During Hospitalization, MOHAMMAD F. ALI, MAGDY MUSTAFA and EHAB K. ZAYED
Abstract
Background: Rates of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are
increasing each year and considered as an effective management
for obese patients with degenerated knee joints.
Objectives: To determine the effect of the degree of body
mass index on inpatients results of physical therapy program
after total knee arthroplasty during hospitalization period.
Participants: Forty patients with knee osteoarthritis were
involved in this study after total knee arthroplasty and they
were randomly distributed into two experimental groups. The
first group was consisted of 20 patients (16 females, 4 males)
with BMI ranged from 25 to 29.9kg/m 2 (overweight degree).
The second group was consisted of 20 obese patients (15
females and 5 males) with BMI ranged from 35 to 40Kg/m 2
(moderate obesity degree).
Methods: All patients after surgery were treated by the
same standard plan of physical therapy including continuous
passive motion, active assisted and active free range of motion
exercises, isometric and isotonic strengthening exercises, gait
training and transfer training.
Main Outcomes Measures: Both groups were evaluated
pre-operatively and after the 6th day of hospitalization period
post-operatively by knee function test score [Hospital for
Special Surgery (HSS) score], pain, and range of motion of
knee flexion.
Results: The overweight group showed that there is
significant increase in physical therapy outcomes than the
moderate obese group (p>0.05). Both groups significantly
improved in all parameters after 6 days of hospitalization.
Conclusions: The decreased BMI is more effective for
physical therapy outcomes during the hospitalization period
than the increased BMI after total knee arthroplasty. By these
findings the patients who will undergo TKA should follow
weight reduction program to decrease their BMI before the
surgery.