Authors (including presenting author) :
Lui TC(1), Lam CSC(1), Leung NC(1), Chan LH(1), Leung KY(1), Fung MLE(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
Introduction :
Post knee replacement surgery patients are at risk of post-operative falls that can impact their recovery and daily functioning. To mitigate this risk, the Occupational Therapy Department at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital introduced the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) program in December 2023. This evidence-based program integrates balance and strength activities into patients’ everyday tasks, aiming to enhance their overall well-being and reduce fall incidents.
Objectives :
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the LiFE program on functional improvement and postoperative fall rates in patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.
Methodology :
Retrospective data were collected between March 2023 and March 2024 from 44 patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery. The cohort was divided into LiFE group and conventional treatment group. The LiFE group received standard rehabilitation integrated with LiFE program (n=22) while the conventional treatment group received standard rehabilitation only (n=22). Functional performance is measured by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short-form (KOOS-PS), which is a patient reported joint-specific measure for physical function. It includes seven items: rising from bed, putting on socks or stockings, rising from sitting, bending to floor, twisting or pivoting on the injured knee, kneeling and squatting. KOOS-PS scores were collected six months prior to operation and reassessed at six to eight weeks after operation. Fall frequency data was gathered for post-operation nine months. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Independent t-test was used to compare any difference between groups at baseline. A 2x2 factorial ANOVA was used to analyze KOOS-PS score improvements.
Result & Outcome :
Two groups of patients were with a mean age of 72.00 years (SD=5.66). There was no significant difference in age and pre-operative KOOS-PS score between groups. Significant improvements were found in the KOOS-PS score for the LiFE group (pre: 40.10, post: 80.03) compared to the conventional treatment group (pre: 32.95, post: 50.97), with a significant interaction effect (p < 0.001). Over the nine-month postoperative period, there was 0 falls in LiFE group while 1 fall in conventional treatment group.
In conclusion, the study indicates that the LiFE program improves functional recovery and potentially reduces post-operative fall rates. Further research with a larger group is necessary to understand its impact on fall prevention and long-term outcomes.
