In a Japanese study published by Iwata et al in PLOS One, researchers determined that although knee extension velocity and quadriceps strength are both significantly correlated with gait function post–total knee arthroplasty, knee extension velocity on the side of the surgery was found to be a more influential determinant of walking performance than impairment in muscle strength. The researchers did note that their observation period of 3 weeks postoperation was short and that “further research regarding interventions and long-term observations is needed”; however, they did recommend that knee extension velocity may be added to rehabilitation programs in the period immediately following total knee arthroplasty.
May 25, 2023