Early Post-Operative Intervention of Whole-Body Vibration in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study

• Main Authors: Yu-Hsuan Hsiao, Song-Hsiung Chien, Hung-Pin Tu, Jimmy Chun-Ming Fu, Shih-Ting Tsai, Ying-Shan Chen, Yi-Jen Chen, Chia-Hsin Chen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-11-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Subjects: whole-body vibration; total knee arthroplasty; strength; swelling
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/11/1902

(1) Background: Knee osteoarthritis causes pain, weakness, muscle atrophy, and disability. The application of whole-body vibration in patients with knee osteoarthritis can improve strength, balance, and functional activities. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of early whole-body vibration intervention in patients after total knee arthroplasty. (2) Method: A single-blinded randomized control trial. Fifty-two patients with knee osteoarthritis post total knee replacement from a medical center in southern Taiwan were randomly assigned to either a whole-body vibration group or control group. Main outcome measures included pain severity, leg circumference, knee range of motion, knee extensor strength, a five-times sit to stand test, and a timed up and go test. (3) Results: Immediately post treatment, the patients in the vibration group showed a significant increase in knee extensor strength and improvement in calf swelling compared to the control group. A trend toward decrease in pain severity and improvement in functional performance were observed in both groups without a significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference in knee range of motion (ROM) and functional performance between the groups. (4) Conclusions: The whole-body vibration intervention in patients early post total knee arthroplasty showed significant immediate effect in increasing knee extensor strength and decreasing calf swelling.