Preoperative proprioceptive training in patients with total knee arthroplasty

Proprioceptive deficiencies due to osteoarthritis and arthroplasty have been repeatedly reported. Proprioceptive training, which leads to an economisation of movements and supports energy-saving movement patterns, has become popular in athletes, but not in rehabilitation yet. The aim of this randomised phase IIb study was to evaluate whether preoperative proprioceptive training would influence postoperative balance and function in activities of daily life in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Subjects with severe osteoarthritis of the knee scheduled for TKA were randomised to either a control group (CG) or a training group (TG). All patients were examined 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after TKA, patients of the TG also one day before surgery, i.e. after six weeks of preoperative proprioceptive training, in order to evaluate the influence of training without TKA. Evaluation included balance assessment using the Biodex Stability System, as well as measurements of gait speed and clinical outcome using the WOMAC and Knee Society Score. As opposed to the CG, stance stability improved significantly in the TG (Biodex OSI (p = 0.045), APSI (p = 0.029)) 6 weeks after TKA. There was a significant improvement in KSS, WOMAC pain and stiffness in both groups after TKA. Preoperative proprioceptive training in patients undergoing TKA resulted in improved standing balance, but no difference in clinical outcome was observed between the two groups.