Comparison of Supervised Rehabilitation vs. Home Based Unsupervised Rehabilitation Programs after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to compare two rehabilitation programs post primary total knee arthroplasty (1) Supervised rehabilitation delivered by qualified physiotherapist and (2) home-based unsupervised rehabilitation monitored by a physiotherapist via periodic telephone calls.

Method: Twenty patients having primary total knee arthroplasty were assigned randomly to two rehabilitation program (1) supervised rehabilitation program group (2) home-based unsupervised rehabilitation program group. Outcome measures used to assess the outcome were (1) Knee Society Knee score for knee integrity (2) ILOA for level of assistance (3) Goniometry for ROM and (4) VAS Scale for pain.

Results: The significant difference were observed in the score of all outcome scale used for assessment. The subjects in supervised rehabilitation program group performed better compared to home-based unsupervised rehabilitation program group.

Conclusions: This pilot study shows that the supervised rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty having better prognosis than home-based unsupervised rehabilitation program on range of motion and functional ability and pain.