Exploration of Habitual Walking Behavior and Home-Based Muscle Power Training in Individuals With Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a home-based muscle power training program on muscle strength and power, functional performance, and physical activity behavior in individuals at least 6 months posttotal knee arthroplasty. Methods: Twelve men and women, mean age 63.9 (6.8) and 6 months to 2 years posttotal knee arthroplasty unilateral or bilateral), completed this study. Participants were randomly assigned to the home-based power training intervention or step-monitoring comparison group. Quadriceps muscle strength and power, 6-minute walk test, functional leg power, and habitual walking behavior (average daily steps, minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity) were assessed before and after intervention and then compared between and within groups. Results: The authors found no significant differences between the groups on amount of change in any of the outcomes, but mixed results on differences within each of the groups on the outcome measures. Conclusion: There were no differences between the groups for amount of change on the outcome measures the authors selected. Although within group differences varied slightly for each group, it was not enough to justify the more expensive home-based power training over the simpler step-monitoring intervention.