Effects of Visual Feedback During Balance Training on Knee Function and Balance Ability in Postoperative Patients After Knee Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of visual feed­back training on knee function and balance ability in postoperative patients with knee fracture. Methods: A clinical randomized controlled trial with 104 participants, randomly assigned (1:1) to a visual feedback training group or a control group. Eligible participants were evaluated using Lysholm scores, the Tinetti scale, and the evaluation module of TecnoBody to demonstrate dynamic balance fun­ction in a standing position before treatment and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Results: Both visual feedback training and control groups improved significantly in the Lysholm and Tinetti scores after 8 weeks. Compared with the control group, the TecnoBody tests included centre of pressure path length, and the area over centre of pressure movement, both of which significantly improved in the visual feedback training group at 8 weeks after treatment. There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of their Lysholm scores and Tinetti gait before the intervention and 4 weeks after treatment. Conclusion: Applying visual feedback training in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation strate­gies may improve knee function and motor control in postoperative patients with knee fracture. Although visual feedback training does not have a short-term effect on knee function and gait, this method could be a useful addition for rehabilitation of knee frac­ture patients.

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

“…The detected significant improvement in the symmetry index after the VFB treatment is in agreement with the findings of Zhang et al [18] and Christensen et al [31]. These authors found, respectively, an improvement in the Tinetti clinical score in postoperative patients with a knee fracture at 8 weeks after treatment, and an immediate improvement in the gait characteristics (interlimb symmetry) during a high-demand walking task in a patient after a TKR [18]. The symmetry index is one of the most important parameters to measure the gait and kinematic pattern alterations [32,33].…”

“…It is still debated that in the post-operative TKR, the damaging of the proprioceptors and the changes in the articular structure can further affect the lower limb stability and balance function, already altered by OA, resulting in a loss of the precise control of the effector because the bilateral proprioceptive receptor's afferent information is asymmetrical [18]. Some authors point out that the model of prosthesis chosen has an influence on the proprioception, due to the alteration of the articular environment and structures as the cruciate ligament, meniscus, and intracapsular mechanoreceptors, that are essential in providing proprioceptive reflexes [36].…”

“…The exclusion criteria were (1) inflammatory disease after a TKR, and (2) any neurological, musculoskeletal, or other conditions affecting their movement. The criteria for enrollment have been adapted from previous studies [18,24]. In particular, considering only patients ranging from 55 to 80 years old is motivated by the high prevalence of OA in this age category [1,2].…”

“…In this context, visual feedback (VFB) has shown interesting results in enhancing the ability of patients in controlling the dynamic stability of the body [18][19][20]. The emerging rehabilitative technologies allow monitoring, through a force platform, and the displacement of the patient's center of balance during proprioceptive care and gait training, providing feedback on the exact position on the computer screen.…”

The Effectiveness of New Digital Technologies in Increasing Physical Activity Levels and Promoting Active and Healthy Ageing: A Narrative Review

“…While new technological tools have been shown to be efective, either alone [28] or in combination with classical protocols [29], in improving the physiological and cognitive aspects that allow the maintenance of a healthy state over time (e.g., by improving postural control and preventing falls), the efectiveness of these technologies in promoting PA, especially in older populations, is still unclear.…”