• Thomas Linding Jakobsen, Henrik Husted, Henrik Kehlet, and Thomas Bandholm.
• Department of Physical Therapy, Clinical Research Centre and Lundbeck Foundation Centre for Fast-track Hip and Knee Arthroplasty, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark. tlj26@hotmail.com
• Disabil Rehabil. 2012 Jan 1; 34 (12): 1034-40.

PurposeTo explore the feasibility of progressive strength training commenced immediately after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsA pilot study was conducted at an outpatient training facility. Fourteen patients with unilateral TKA were included from a fast-track orthopedic arthroplasty unit. They received rehabilitation including progressive strength training of the operated leg (leg press and knee-extension), using relative loads of 10 repetition maximum with three training sessions per week for 2 weeks. Rehabilitation was commenced 1 or 2 days after TKA. At each training session, knee pain, knee joint effusion and training load were recorded. Isometric knee-extension strength and maximal walking speed were measured before the first and last session.ResultsThe training load increased progressively (p < 0.0001). Patients experienced only moderate knee pain during the strength training exercises, but knee pain at rest and knee joint effusion (p < 0.0001) were unchanged or decreased over the six training sessions. Isometric knee-extension strength and maximal walking speed increased by 147 and 112%, respectively.ConclusionProgressive strength training initiated immediately after TKA seems feasible, and increases knee-extension strength and functional performance without increasing knee joint effusion or knee pain.

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