Abstract
Purpose: Examine the effectiveness of the NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainer in combination with a functional rehabilitation program after a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasy of the hip, and to determine its feasibility and safety.
Methods: The study was conducted using a pre-post design using convenience sampling of the in-patient orthopedic population at the Catherine Booth Hospital. Participants used the recumbent cross trainer daily on weekdays, according to a pre-set protocol, in conjunction with functional rehabilitation programs. Data were collected using the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Function subscale as primary outcomes, and NuStep measures and WOMAC Pain subscale as secondary measures, at baseline and upon discharge. Progress on NuStep measures, and adverse events were also tracked. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test and paired t-test, and effect sizes.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in all primary and secondary outcomes. The use of the recumbent cross trainer in addition to regular physiotherapy had a moderate-to-large effect size in all primary and secondary outcomes.
Conclusion: Overall the recumbent cross trainer, in addition to conventional physiotherapy, significantly improved physical function. Future research should focus on conducting controlled trials.
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University
Faculty Supervisor – Dr. Shawn Robbins, Bsc PT, PHD
Clinical Supervisor – Ibrahima Diallo, Bsc PT
Research Group Members: David Strenger, Yun Ho Chang, Christine Arbour, Thomas Kirkman-Gagnon, Altaf Mapara
Successfully Presented on August 20th 2013