Riassunto dello studio

Forty-two patients undergoing TKA were randomized to receive standard exercise therapy (n=21) or exercise therapy and soft tissue mobilization (n=21). The primary outcomes of interest were postoperative pain and range of motion. Secondary outcomes of interest were functional outcomes measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), the 10-meter walk test, 5-times sit to stand test and Short-Form-12 questionnaire. Patients in the mobilization group had significantly greater improvements in pain compared to the exercise alone group. Although the change score for range of motion for knee flexion was greater in the mobilization group at 2 months, overall improvements in range of motion were similar between groups. The mobilization group had significantly better WOMAC scores and SF-12 mental component scores compared to the exercise alone group.