Early Whole-Body Vibration vs Progressive Resistance Training in Fast-Track Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Comparative Trial

Year 2026, Volume: 16 Issue: 1, 1 - 10, 19.03.2026

Gökhan Bayrak Ümmühan Baş Aslan Raziye Şavkın , Nihal Büker , Hakan Zora , Harun Reşit Güngör

https://izlik.org/JA98MF84SP

Abstract

Aim: Whole-body vibration (WBV) and progressive resistance training (PRT) are utilized for rehabilitation in end-stage knee osteoarthritis in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This randomized study compared the six-week progressive WBV and PRT interventions early after fast-track TKA on primary and secondary outcomes.
Material and Method: This randomized comparative trial was conducted between 2021-2022 and consisted of two groups: WBV (n=17) and PRT (n=17). All patients underwent a structured fast-track rehabilitation protocol before and after the surgery. After four weeks post-TKA, the groups initiated two sessions per week of WBV or PRT exercises for six weeks. After each training session, both groups performed neuromuscular balance training. Assessments were conducted at baseline (4th week) and postoperative 10th week. The primary outcomes included neuromuscular balance and quadriceps strength, while secondary outcomes encompassed knee pain and function, physical performance, and quality of life.
Results: Two-way mixed-design repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) test demonstrated similar improvements in primary (F=0.614-2.291, p=0.093-0.439) and secondary outcomes (F=0.009-2.285, p=0.140-0.925) with no significant difference in group×time interaction between groups. When the changes within the groups (time×main effect) were analyzed, significant improvements were found in both groups in primary (F=43.581-89.627, p<0.001) and secondary outcomes (F=36.082-292.834, p<0.001) in both groups.
Conclusion: Early six-week progressive WBV or PRT was identically effective in promoting neuromuscular balance, quadriceps strength, knee pain and function, physical performance, and quality of life in fast-track TKA patients. Early postoperative adoption of progressive WBV or PRT interventions is considered feasible for promoting early rehabilitation after fast-track TKA.

Keywords

knee osteoarthritis , total knee arthroplasty , physical therapy , exercise , quality of life

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