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The Effectiveness of Resistance Training for Patients With Degenerative Arthritis After Surgery

The Effectiveness of Resistance Training for Patients With Degenerative Arthritis After Surgery- A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07696195
Acronym
Arthritis
Enrollment
24
Registered
2026-07-10
Start date
2025-03-01
Completion date
2025-08-19
Last updated
2026-07-10

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Osteoarthritis, Osteoarthritis, Knee

Keywords

Resistance Training, Total Knee Arthroplasty, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Muscular Endurance, Balance Performance

Brief summary

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease that significantly impacts mobility and disability in older adults. This pilot randomized controlled study aimed to examine the effects of a three-month resistance training program on lower limb muscular endurance, balance performance, pain, and quality of life among patients who had undergone unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving resistance training or the control group receiving routine postoperative rehabilitation. The study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of these interventions to provide insights into incorporating resistance training into postoperative nursing care and recovery programs.

Detailed description

This study employed an interventional, experimental design with a three-month follow-up to investigate the effectiveness of a progressive lower extremity resistance training program for patients with osteoarthritis following unilateral total joint arthroplasty. The study adhered to the CONSORT guidelines for reporting clinical trials. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: 1. Control Group: Received routine postoperative rehabilitation care. 2. Experimental Group: Received a progressive lower extremity resistance exercise program in addition to routine care. The program utilized 1-kg ankle weights and included seated knee extension, standing hamstring curls, and hip abduction. Training sessions were performed three times per week for three months, with the training volume progressively adjusted as follows: * 1st Postoperative Month: Performed on the non-operated limb only (2 sets per exercise). * 2nd Postoperative Month: Continued on the non-operated limb (3 sets) and introduced to the operated limb (2 sets). * 3rd Postoperative Month: Increased to 4 sets for the non-operated limb and 3 sets for the operated limb. Each set consisted of 10 repetitions with a 1-minute rest between sets. Participants also received an illustrated exercise leaflet to enhance safety and adherence.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALProgressive Lower Extremity Resistance Exercise

A 3-month progressive resistance training program utilizing 1-kg ankle weights, including seated knee extension, standing hamstring curls, and hip abduction. Training sessions were performed 3 times per week, with progressive adjustments in training volume (sets and repetitions) for both operated and non-operated limbs over the 3-month period.

BEHAVIORALRoutine Postoperative Rehabilitation Care

Participants in the control group received routine postoperative rehabilitation care.

Sponsors

Tzu Chi University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Diagnosis of osteoarthritis requiring first-time unilateral lower limb total joint arthroplasty * No planned surgery on the contralateral limb * Clear consciousness and ability to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese * Independent ambulation before surgery * Adequate vision and hearing (with correction if needed) * Community-dwelling status * Willing to participate in this study

Exclusion criteria

* Inability to ambulate independently * Medical contraindications to exercise * Severe musculoskeletal conditions other than osteoarthritis * Same-day admission and surgery * Bilateral joint arthroplasty

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Lower Extremity Muscle EnduranceA higher number of completed stands means a better outcome (better lower extremity muscular endurance). To ensure safety for postoperative patients, a four-legged walker is placed in front of the chair during testing.Assessed using the 30-Second Chair Stand Test. This test measures the total number of completed stands a participant can perform from a seated position to a full stand within 30 seconds.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Balance PerformanceShorter completion times (fewer seconds) mean a better outcome (better dynamic balance performance).Assessed using the 2.44-Meter Timed Up-and-Go-Based Chair Rise and Obstacle Navigation Test, which measures the time (in seconds) taken to complete the functional mobility task.

Countries

Taiwan

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Aug 30, 2026