Original article / research
Effect of Pressure Biofeedback Training on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Knee Range of Motion among Normal BMI Patients with Total Knee Replacement: A Quasi-experimental Study
YF01-YF04
Correspondence
Nityal Kumar Alagingi,
Associate Professor, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy, (NIPT), Mangaluru, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: nityalkumar2020@nitte.edu.in
Introduction: Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a common treatment for knee OA, but rehabilitation can be challenging due to postoperative quadriceps weakness and limited knee Range Of Motion (ROM). Pressure Biofeedback (PBF) training is presented as a viable method to potentially enhances ROM recovery and quadriceps activation.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of PBF training on quadriceps muscle strength and knee ROM in people with TKR.
Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at KS Hegde Hospital, Mangaluru, between May 2024 and May 2025. The study included twenty patients with normal BMI who had undergone TKR. From Postoperative Day (POD) 1 to POD 7, participants received PBF training in addition to standard physiotherapy. Knee ROM was measured using a goniometer, while quadriceps strength was assessed with a PBF device. The effectiveness of PBF training on muscle strength and functional outcomes was evaluated using the paired t-test, with statistical significance set at p<0.05
Results: A total of 20 patients were enrolled in the study, comprising seven males and 13 females, with ages ranging from 45 to 74 years. Significant functional improvements were observed over the postoperative period. Knee flexion increased from 23.10° on POD 1 to 67.73° on POD 7, while knee extension improved from 6.03° to 2.20°. Quadriceps strength also rose markedly, from 55.25 mmHg to 94.88 mmHg. All changes were statistically significant (p<0.001)
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that PBF training significantly improves knee ROM and quadriceps strength during the early postoperative phase of TKR. Early incorporation of PBF training into routine TKR rehabilitation can accelerate recovery, optimise quadriceps strength, and improve knee mobility, offering patients a more effective pathway to regain function and independence.