Comparison of Effects of Supervised Physiotherapy and a Standardized Home Program on Functional Status in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Study

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the functional differences between totalknee arthroplasty (TKA) patients who were treated with supervised physiotherapy or astandardized home program and perform a cost analysis. [Subjects and Methods] Patients whoreceived total knee arthroplasty between January 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled in thisstudy; those with mean ages of 64.25±3.86 (60–68) years (n=18) and 68.08±6.25 (61–79)years (n=16) were placed in the supervised physiotherapy and standardized home programgroups, respectively. All patients were evaluated by the same researcher before and aftersurgery, and the therapy programs were applied by another physiotherapist. All patientswere evaluated for joint range of motion (ROM), pain, functional status (WOMAC), overallquality of life (SF-36), and depressive symptoms (BECK Depression Scale). [Results] Asignificant clinical improvement was observed in postoperative assessments. Astatistically significant difference could not be found between ROM and functional levelsof the patients in both groups. [Conclusion] No difference was found between the patientsperforming supervised or standardized home program with respect to the effects onfunctional status. A home exercise program can be used in the rehabilitation of patientswith TKA, and implementation of home exercise programs can also reduce health-carespending.Key words: Total knee replacement, Rehabilitation, General health status