Physical impairments and functional limitations: a comparison of individuals 1 year after total knee arthroplasty with control subjects

Clinical Research Physiotherapist, Centre for Studies of Physical Function, Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. m.walsh@utoronto.ca

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the physical impairments and functional limitations of individuals with total knee arthroplasty (TKA), as compared with individuals with no diagnosed knee disease (control subjects). SUBJECTS: Twenty-nine individuals 1 year following TKA (13 women, 16 men) and 40 age- and gender-matched control subjects (18 women, 22 men) were assessed. METHODS: Walking speed, stair-climbing ability, knee torque (in newton-meters), and total work performed during 15 repeated contractions were evaluated. RESULTS: Walking speeds for men with TKA were 13% and 17% slower at normal and fast speeds, respectively. Their stair-climbing ability was even more compromised (51% slower). Walking speeds for women with TKA were 17% and 18% slower at normal and fast speeds, respectively. Similarly, their stair-climbing time was more compromised (43% slower). Men with TKA were 37% to 39% weaker and performed 36% to 37% less total work of their knee extensors compared with the control subjects. Similarly, women with TKA had knee extensor strength deficits of 28% to 29% and performed 24% less total work. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: One year after TKA, marked physical impairments and functional limitations persisted. [Walsh M, Woodhouse LJ, Thomas SG, Finch E. Physical impairments and functional limitations: a comparison of individuals 1 year after total knee arthroplasty with control subjects.

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