Treadmill Perturbation Training for Fall Prevention After Total Knee Replacement

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · Feb 10, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help prevent falls in people who have had total knee replacement surgery. The researchers want to see if a special treadmill training program, which helps people get used to quick changes in speed, can improve their balance and reduce the chances of falling during the first year after surgery. Participants will be asked to complete surveys about their health and fall history, undergo tests to assess their walking and balance, and wear an activity monitor. They will be divided into two groups: one group will receive information on fall prevention, while the other group will receive the same information and also participate in the treadmill training for two weeks.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should have severe knee arthritis that requires surgery soon, and they should be able to attend training sessions before their operation. However, those with certain health issues that could affect walking or balance, such as a history of strokes or balance disorders, will not be included. Throughout the year after their surgery, participants will be contacted every two weeks to check if they have experienced any falls. This study aims to find out if the treadmill training can really make a difference in preventing falls for those recovering from knee surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of endstage knee osteoarthritis requiring total knee arthroplasty (TKA). TKA scheduled within two months and able to schedule the required training visits prior to surgery.
• • Exclusion Criteria: Potential participants will be excluded if they have dizziness or self-reported medical conditions that would be expected to affect walking and balance. These specifically include history of stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and balance disorders including positional vertigo and Meniere's disease. Other exclusion criteria include plans to undergo a contralateral TKA within 12 months or history of other lower extremity joint replacement within 5 years. Finally, people who report idiopathic low back pain, history of heart disease, uncorrected vision impairment, or institutionalization will be excluded.
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