Antigravity Treadmill After Joint Arthroplasty

Antigravity Treadmill Rehabilitation After Lower Limb Arthroplasty in Older Adults

The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of antigravity treadmill training and body weight-supported treadmill training in the rehabilitation of elderly patients (60-75 years) following hip or knee arthroplasty.

This randomized controlled trial will recruit 60 patients aged 60-75 years, within 3 months after total hip or knee arthroplasty, admitted to the Rehabilitation Unit of St. Jadwiga Hospital in Trzebnica. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (i) body weight-supported treadmill group (n=20), (ii) antigravity treadmill group (n=20), or (iii) control group receiving conventional gait training (n=20). All patients will receive comprehensive daily therapy for 6 weeks, including kinesitherapy, ergotherapy, and physical therapy procedures under professional supervision.

Inclusion Criteria:

• individuals who have recently undergone hip or knee joint arthroplasty surgeries aged 60 years and above.

Exclusion Criteria:

• cognitive impairments that prevent independent completion of research questionnaires
• history of consciousness disturbances, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or other severe psychiatric illnesses
• functional status preventing independent ambulation (wheelchair-bound or bedridden patients; orthopedic devices such as crutches or walker allowed)
• refusal to participate in the study at any stage