Postoperative effects of neuromuscular exercise prior to hip or knee arthroplasty: a randomised controlled trial

165 patients (>18 years) undergoing primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty for severe osteoarthritis were randomized to total joint arthroplasty either with, or without an 8-week preoperative neuromuscular exercise programme. This study aimed to determine whether the preoperative programme provides additional benefits to postoperative outcome at 3 months. Results at 3 months indicated no significant between-group difference in the improvement of activities of daily living subscale (ADL) (Knee/Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS/HOOS]) from baseline. All other KOOS/HOOS subscales and additionally, EuroQol 5 Dimension Health Questionnaire scores were comparable between groups. There was, however, a significant longitudinal improvement in ADL and Pain subscales over the study period.