Comparison of knee extensor strength between limbs in individuals with bilateral total knee replacement.
OBJECTIVE
To determine and compare force production of the knee extensors between limbs after bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA).


METHODS
Two repeated-measures designs (2 factors: limb, time) assessing for differences in strength between limbs over 3 times at 2 different testing speeds.


METHODS
Private and institutional practice.


METHODS
Fourteen volunteers (6 men, 8 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 74.57 +/- 5.5 y; height, 169.91 +/- 9.43 cm; weight, 76.42 +/- 9.85 kg) with bilateral TKA. Open-chain knee extensor strength was measured in both legs before surgery and 30 and 60 days after TKA at 60 degrees /s and 180 degrees /s.


METHODS
Rehabilitation 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Treatment consisted of gait, transfer training, stationary cycle work, and a progressive resistance-training program.


METHODS
Peak torque measured isokinetically.


RESULTS
Limb by time interaction was not significant for either 60 degrees /s (F(2,26) =.75, P =.351) or 180 degrees /s (F(2,26) =.78, P =.393). A significant main effect of time was found at 60 degrees /s (F(2,26) = 14.22, P =.0001) and 180 degrees /s (F(2,26) = 10.47, P =.003).


CONCLUSIONS
During the first month after TKA, bilateral knee extensor force-production decreased significantly compared with preoperative force production.
Rossi
Mark D
MD
Department of Exercise Science and Health, Florida Atlantic University, 2912 College Ave., Davie, FL 33314, USA. mark.rossi@eudoramail.com
Brown
Lee E
LE
Whitehurst
Michael
M
Charni
Crystal
C
Hankins
Jodi
J
Taylor
Carol Lynne
CL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology