The Impact of Weight-Bearing Lower Limb Exercises on Balance and Gait in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: Pre-experimental Study

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of weight-bearing exercises, including deadlifts, on the balance ability, gait patterns, and leg strength in patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery, thus emphasizing the importance of strengthening the leg muscles.Methods: The subjects included nineteen patients diagnosed with degenerative arthritis and who underwent knee arthroplasty at H Hospital in B City.Following the surgeon's recommendations and patients' consent, they were prescribed exercises starting 7 days postsurgery, 3 times a week for 8 weeks, including a 10-minute warm-up, 20-minute main exercise, and 15-minute cool-down exercises.Results: The fall index significantly decreased, indicating improved balance.The gait cycle significantly decreased, while step length increased.However, the increase was not statistically significant.Walking speed significantly increased, and step time significantly decreased.The sit-to-stand time significantly decreased, indicating improved leg strength. Conclusion:In conclusion, weight-bearing leg exercises for knee arthroplasty patients led to significant improvements in balance abilities, gait patterns, and leg strength.This signifies the need to incorporate active weight-bearing leg exercises from an early stage postsurgery.Additionally, weight-bearing leg strengthening exercises can increase the accessibility of exercises for knee arthroplasty patients, emphasizing the importance of early exercise and motivation in their treatment.Therefore, functional leg strengthening exercises, including weight-bearing routines, should be implemented early on in clinical settingsI, alongside traditional pain reduction and joint range of motion exercises, to maximize recovery outcomes and enhance overall patient mobility and quality of life.