Preoperative high-intensity strength training combined with balance training can improve early outcomes after total knee arthroplasty

Background To investigate the effect of preoperative high-intensity strength training combined with balance training on the knee function of end-stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A prospective study was conducted on end-stage KOA patients awaiting TKA. The patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group according to whether they received a preoperative training intervention. The differences in knee flexor-extensor strength, knee range of motion (ROM), timed up and go (TUG) test result, stair ascend/descend test result, Knee Society score (KSS) and Berg balance scale (BBS) score were assessed in both groups at baseline (T1), before operation (T2), 3 months after operation (T3), and 1 year after operation (T4). Results After high-intensity strength training and balance training, the knee flexor-extensor strength, TUG test result, stair ascend/descend test result, and KSS were all significantly improved at T2 in the experimental group over the control group. At T3, the knee ROM, knee flexor-extensor strength, TUG test result, BBS score, and KSS clinical and functional scores were all significantly superior in the experimental group. The experimental group enjoyed a superiority in KSS clinical and functional scores until T4. Group x time and between-group interactions were found in all assessment indicators in both groups (p < 0.01). Conclusion Preoperative high-intensity strength training combined with balance training can enhance the knee flexor-extensor strength and balance of patients with end-stage KOA in the short term and help improve early outcomes after KOA.