Riassunto dello studio

Ninety-two veterans undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomized to receive a telehealth physical activity behavior change (PABC) intervention (n=46) or a telehealth-delivered health education control (n=46). Both groups participated in standard outpatient rehabilitation. The primary outcome was average daily step count. Secondary outcomes included Life-Space Assessment, 30-Second Chair-Stand test, Timed “Up & Go” test, 6-Minute Walk Test, WOMAC, and the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 8 weeks, 14 weeks (primary endpoint), and 38 weeks post-surgery. Overall, the study found that the PABC group increased their daily steps by 931 more than the control group at 14 weeks, but this difference was not maintained at 38 weeks. This suggests that telehealth behavioral interventions may enhance short-term physical activity after TKA, but longer-term strategies are needed for sustained benefit.