Efficacy of Visual Feedback Training for Motor Recovery in Post-Operative Subjects with Knee Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To evaluate the effects of visual feedback training on motor recovery in postoperative patients with a total knee replacement (TKR). The performance of 40 first-ever TKR patients (27 females; mean age: 70.5 (67.2-74.0) years) was evaluated in a single center, single-blind, randomized controlled study. The patients were randomly and equally distributed into two demographically/clinically matched groups undergoing experimental or traditional treatments. All patients have been treated in a 1 h session, 2/day for 5 days a week, for six consecutive weeks. The first group ("control") underwent conventional physical therapy, whereas the experimental group received advanced knee training with visual feedback using the TecnoBody® device (Walker View 3.0 SCX, Dalmine (BG), Italy). The clinical scales and kinematic parameters coming from the gait analysis were evaluated to demonstrate the dynamic balance function in a standing position before and after each treatment. After the treatment, both experimental and control groups improved significantly and similarly, as measured by the clinical scales (Numeric Rating Scale for Pain and Barthel index). A significant boosting of the motor performance was detected in the experimental group with respect to the control group in the terms of symmetry index 84 (80.8-85.4) vs. 87.15 (84-92.8) p = 0.001 *; single stance support 34.9 (34.1-36.5) vs. 37.8 (36.6-38.9); p < 0.001; and obliquity parameters 58.65 (51.3-70.3) vs. 73 (62.3-82.1); p < 0.001. Applying visual feedback training in addition to traditional rehabilitation strategies improves the knee function and motor control in postoperative TKR patients.