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Effects of virtual reality added to physiotherapy training in patients with total knee arthroplasty

Abstract:

Background: In recent decades several studies have showed beneficial results with the use of virtual reality in patients with various pathologies of neurological and musculoskeletal origin. The aim of the present study was to describe the changes in functionality after physiotherapy training that included the use of virtual reality in patients undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and methods: The present quasi-experimental trial-post-test study was performed at the San Borja Arriaran Clinical Hospital in Santiago, Chile. Through non- probabilistic sampling, 25 post-operative TKA patients were recruited, with an average age of 69.83 years (standard deviation of 8.15). Physiotherapy training was provided, including the use of virtual reality for 6 weeks. The outcome measures were the WOMAC functionality questionnaire; Berg Balance scale; pain with visual analogue scale (VAS); Distance travelled with the 6-minute walk test; the transfer time with the Time Up and Go test (TUG) and the difference of weight bearing on the lower extremities. Results: At the end of the treatment, the total WOMAC showed a decrease of 17.2 points (P=.00), the VAS 2.2 cm (P=.00), the TUG of 3 seconds (P=.00) and the load difference was 11.9 kg (P=.00). In contrast, the Berg Balance showed an increase of 9.8 points (P=.00) and the 6-minute walk test of 105.7 meters (P=.00). Conclusions: To add virtual reality to a physiotherapeutic training, in the short term, to improve functionality in post-operative patients older than 50 years following unilateral TKA.