The Effect of Balance Training Using a Dynamometric Platform in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

The Effect of Balance Training Using a Dynamometric Platform on Muscle Strength, Proprioception, Balance, and Gait in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgery used to treat advanced knee osteoarthritis, especially when other treatments no longer help. While the surgery often reduces pain and improves joint alignment, many patients still have problems with balance and movement afterward.

This study will explore whether adding balance training using the Tecnobody ProKin system to standard physical therapy helps patients recover better after TKA. The researchers will measure balance, walking ability, leg strength, and body awareness (also called proprioception) using special equipment.

The main goal is to test the hypothesis that technology-supported balance training improves recovery outcomes more effectively than standard rehabilitation alone.

Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition among older adults, often leading to pain, reduced mobility, and functional limitations. When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is commonly performed. Although outcomes following TKA are generally satisfactory, patients may continue to experience impairments in proprioception and balance, which can negatively affect gait and postural control.

Restoring balance and proprioceptive function is critical for optimizing functional recovery and quality of life after TKA. However, research shows that many patients fail to fully regain these abilities, even in the long term. Instrumented platforms are frequently used to objectively assess balance and proprioception, providing detailed parameters based on body sway during standing tasks.

Previous studies have evaluated the effects of balance training using systems such as Biodex in TKA patients. However, no study has yet investigated the use of the Tecnobody ProKin dynamometric platform (Bergamo, Italy) to assess and train static and dynamic balance, proprioception, muscle strength, and gait within a controlled rehabilitation framework.

This study is designed to generate scientific evidence on the effectiveness of balance training using the Tecnobody ProKin platform as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation in patients following total knee arthroplasty.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty within the past 2 years and are hospitalized at the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Clinic of Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Physical Therapy Hospital.
• Able to fully bear weight on the operated lower extremity in the third postoperative week.
• Willingness to participate and signing of the written informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bilateral knee arthroplasty
• Age under 18 years
• Receiving treatment at a physical therapy unit within the first 2 weeks after knee arthroplasty
• Presence of significant visual or hearing impairment, active infection
• Clinically unstable condition
• Presence of central nervous system lesions (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis)
• Presence of malignancy
• Presence of a fracture in the lower extremity
• Presence of any condition that would prevent participation in the treatment
• History of lumbar disc surgery
• History of previous surgery in the lower extremity
• Presence of advanced osteoarthritis in the non-operated lower extremity