The Impact of Attribution Training on Emotional and Functional Recovery in Elderly Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study aims to explore the effects of attribution training on postoperative negative emotions, attributional styles, and knee joint function in elderly patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: A total of 76 elderly patients who underwent TKA were selected and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group in this prospective randomized controlled study. All patients received routine postoperative care, while the intervention group also underwent eight sessions of attribution training intervention, each lasting 60 minutes. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) scores and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee joint function scores between the two groups before and after the intervention were compared. Results: The study revealed that after the intervention, the intervention group exhibited lower scores on the HAMA and the HAMD compared to the control group, a difference that was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Additionally, the intervention group scored significantly higher on the ASQ for positive events and demonstrated better knee joint function compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that attribution training can effectively enhance psychological resilience and rehabilitation adherence in elderly patients post-TKA, thereby promoting functional recovery of the knee joint. This suggests that attribution training can play a crucial role in optimizing postoperative care.