| Findings from a recent study indicate that for | | | | pre-surgery. Post-surgery, the exercise group |
| osteoarthritis patients, an exercise program will allow | | | | reduced the odds of being discharged directly to a |
| a faster recovery following joint replacement surgery. | | | | rehabilitation facility rather than going home by 73%. |
| Researchers from Harvard Medical School (Boston's | | | | Similarly, 76% of the exercisers were able to walk 50 |
| New England Baptist Hospital, and Beth Israel | | | | feet on the third day post-surgery compared with |
| Deaconess Medical Center) studied 108 men and | | | | 61% of non exercisers. The researchers also noted |
| women with severe osteoarthritis scheduled for total | | | | that patients who exercised reported being well |
| hip or knee replacement surgery at Boston's New | | | | prepared mentally for their rehabilitation. This was in |
| England Baptist Hospital. Patients were typically in | | | | part because they were no longer afraid of exercise |
| their late 50s to late 60s. | | | | and they understood from first-hand experience how |
| The researchers randomly split the patients into two | | | | important it was. |
| groups. | | | | Sixty-five percent of the exercisers were able to go |
| Patients in one group followed a six-week exercise | | | | straight home, compared to 44% of the |
| program before their operation. | | | | non-exercisers, the study showed. |
| The other group was not asked to exercise before | | | | Exercisers who got total hip replacement also |
| surgery. | | | | showed a significant advantage in their pre-surgery |
| The exercise group performed workouts three times | | | | function -- based on their own ratings of their ability |
| weekly for six weeks and were monitored carefully | | | | to handle routine activities -- compared to the |
| to make sure the exercise was commensurate with | | | | non-exercisers. |
| their physical condition. | | | | However, no functional benefit was seen in |
| For the first three weeks, patients in the exercise | | | | exercisers who had their knees replaced. |
| group worked out in a pool, the reasoning being that | | | | The reasons for that aren't clear, the researchers |
| the natural buoyancy of the water made water | | | | noted, although they said the difference may have |
| workouts easy on the joints. The patients stood in | | | | been related to the joint location. A longer period of |
| chest-deep water, exercising all of their joints. | | | | exercise may be needed to help knee function was |
| For the last three weeks, patients exercised in a | | | | one hypothesis put forth by the researchers. |
| gym on recumbent stationary bikes or elliptical | | | | The conclusions were that "an appropriately designed |
| machines. These particular pieces of equipment are | | | | program of water and land-based exercise involving |
| low impact. | | | | cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility |
| Patients also did strength training and stretches for | | | | activities can be a safe, tolerable, and effective |
| flexibility during the program's last three weeks. | | | | approach to improving muscle strength in middle-aged |
| A physical therapist supervised the workouts, which | | | | and older adults with severe osteoarthritis of the hip |
| lasted 30-60 minutes and were held at a community | | | | and knee." |
| fitness facility. | | | | Author's note: it is important that any exercise |
| Prior to the study, patients rated their ability to do | | | | program be OK'd by your physician, designed by the |
| normal chores and activities. They also took tests of | | | | orthopedic surgeon or another representative of the |
| balance, mobility, and leg strength. These tests were | | | | surgical team, and supervised by a physical therapist. |
| repeated right before surgery, and also afterwards. | | | | (Rooks DS et al. Effect of Preoperative Exercise on |
| Exercisers having hip replacement surgery improved | | | | Measures of Functional Status in Men and Women |
| their function and pain scores before surgery. | | | | Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. Arthritis |
| Patients in the exercise group, both hip and knee | | | | Care & Research. 2006; 55(5): 700-708). |
| replacement patients, increased leg strength by an | | | | This article was adapted from a news release from |
| average of 18% to 20% (leg-press scores) | | | | the Arthritis Foundation. |