a Patient Navigation-based Preoperative Rehabilitation Exercise Program in Patients Undergoing TKA

Launched by ANNA SUN · Jul 1, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This trial is testing whether a patient navigation-based preoperative rehabilitation program can help people with knee osteoarthritis who are getting a total knee replacement (TKA) recover better than a standard, self-guided preoperative exercise plan. Participants are randomly assigned to either (1) a 3–7 day, preoperative rehabilitation program they do on their own plus usual care, or (2) the same exercises + a patient navigator who guides, supervises, reminds them, and provides education and support during the preoperative period, plus usual care. The main outcome looks at the patient’s own report of knee problems using the Chinese WOMAC scale (pain, stiffness, and function); lower scores mean fewer problems.

Who may be eligible: adults aged 45–90 with knee osteoarthritis who are scheduled for a first unilateral total knee replacement and are medically fit for rehabilitation, can cooperate with assessments, and can use a smartphone. Key exclusions include significant cognitive problems, serious other illnesses (like liver, heart, kidney issues, cancer), major neuromuscular or joint conditions, or being admitted to the hospital more than 7 days or less than 3 days before surgery. The study is taking place at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University in Guangzhou, China, and results aren’t available yet—the trial began in 2025 with completion expected in early 2026. Measurements will cover adherence to exercise, self-confidence in rehab, knee function, range of motion, and pain at several time points around the surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) scheduled to undergo primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA)
• • Assessed by the attending physician as medically fit to tolerate preoperative rehabilitation exercise, possessing effective communication skills, and capable of cooperating with all required examinations and assessments
• • Assessed as capable (either the patient or their caregiver) of using a smartphone to receive information
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals unable to cooperate due to impaired consciousness, cognitive impairment, or similar conditions
• • Concurrent severe comorbidities such as liver cirrhosis, respiratory failure, renal failure, malignant tumors, trauma, etc.
• • History of significant neuromuscular disorders or other joint diseases deemed by the attending physician to affect joint function
• • Hospital admission date \>7 days or \<3 days prior to the scheduled surgery date
• • Currently undergoing systematic lower limb functional exercise training within the past four weeks