A pilot study of post-total knee replacement gait rehabilitation using lower limbs robot-assisted training system

The aim of this study was to explore the application value of the lower limbs robot-assisted training system for post-total knee replacement (TKR) gait rehabilitation. A total of 60 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were equally randomized into the traditional and robot-assisted rehabilitation training groups within 1 week after TKR. All patients received 2-week training. Scores of hospital for special surgery (HSS), knee kinesthesia grades, knee proprioception grades, functional ambulation (FAC) scores, Berg balance scores, 10-m sitting–standing time, and 6-min walking distances were compared between the groups. The HSS score, Berg score, 10-m sitting–standing time, and 6-min walking distance of the robot-assisted training group were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Its knee kinesthesia grade, knee proprioception grade, and FAC score were better than the control group but not significantly (P > 0.05). Lower limbs robot-assisted rehabilitation training improves post-TKR patients’ knee proprioception and stability more effectively compared with the traditional method. It improves patients’ gait and symptoms, increases their walking speed, and prolongs their walking distances, which benefit their return to family and society.