500 Section - Examination of the short-term intervention period of training using a lightweight hip assist device in patients after total knee arthroplasty

Objectives : This study examined the short-term interventional effects of gait training (HGT) using the lightweight hip assist device HWA-01 in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Because recovery of gait ability after TKA requires several months to a year, establishing an efficient rehabilitation program is important. In our previous study, we conducted HGT for one to four weeks after surgery in patients after TKA and demonstrated its effectiveness in early improvement of gait ability compared with the control group. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of a shorter intervention period for HGT.

Design: The HGT group consisted of 13 patients (13 knees) (1 male, 12 females, 71.3 ± 8.4 years old), and the control group consisted of 29 patients (39 knees) (8 males, 31 females, 75.0 ± 6.7 years old). There were no significant differences in background factors between the two groups. Both groups underwent standard rehabilitation beginning on postoperative day 1. The HGT group performed 8-10 sessions of walking training, up to 20 minutes long, 4-5 times per week.

Results: SWS was significantly greater in the HGT group at 2 and 4 weeks, and SL at SWS, SL at MWS, and CAD at SWS at 2 weeks. PROM-ext and AROM-ext were significantly greater in the control group at 2 weeks, and PROM-flex and AROM-flex at 4 weeks. WOMAC-f was significantly greater in the HGT group at 8 weeks.

Conclusion: These results suggest that even 2 weeks of HGT is effective in early improvement of walking ability and knee function after TKA. This therapy offers promise as an efficient rehabilitation approach leading to early discharge.