The Added Value of Point-Light Display Observation in Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Program: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Jun 29;58(7):868. doi: 10.3390/medicina58070868.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the potential benefit of the observation of rehabilitation-related point-light display in addition to a conventional 3-week rehabilitation program, the objective being to improve functional capacity in patients having undergone total knee arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: Patients randomized in the control group had conventional rehabilitation treatment with two sessions per day 5 days a week of physical therapy (90 min), whereas patients in the experimental group had a program of conventional rehabilitation combined with a point-light display observation two times per day (5 min) and 3 days a week. Results: The patients of both groups had improved their performances by the end of the program, and the pre- and post-test improvement were superior for the experimental group over the control group concerning the total WOMAC score (p = 0.04), the functional WOMAC score (p = 0.03), and correct recognition of point-light displays (p = 0.003). Conclusions: These findings provide new insight favoring systematic point-light display observation to improve functional recovery in patients with total knee arthroplasty.

Keywords: action observation; point-light display; rehabilitation; total knee arthroplasty.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee* / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee* / surgery
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Recovery of Function
  • Treatment Outcome