Assessing the feasibility of using the short physical performance battery to measure function in the immediate postoperative period after total knee replacement

• Main Authors: Rene Przkora, Kimberly Sibille, Sandra Victor, Matthew Meroney, Christiaan Leeuwenburgh, Anna Gardner, Terrie Vasilopoulos, Hari K. Parvataneni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: PAGEPress Publications 2021-04-01
• Series: European Journal of Translational Myology
• Subjects: knee joint; knee replacement arthroplasty; outcome assessment; pain; physical function performance
• Online Access: https://pagepressjournals.org/index.php/bam/article/view/9673

Measurements of physical function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are uncertain and require investments for special equipment, space, and staff. Therefore, we evaluated the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) 4 to 6 weeks preoperatively and 2 weeks following TKA as this test battery addresses lower extremity strength, coordination, and balance, without additional special investments. For context, we also employed the Six-Minute Walk test (6MWT) and peak torque knee extension. Our analysis consisted of three women and one man, with average ages of 68.3±3.9 years. Patients showed a decrease in all functional measurements: SPPB (mean change: −4.8±1.9, 44% decrease), 6MWT (−0.37±.21 m/s, 34% decrease), and peak torque (−11.8±8.8°/s, 68% decrease). Our findings suggest the SPPB is feasible and can be integrated easily in daily clinical practice.