Effectiveness of Later-Stage Exercise Programs vs Usual Medical Care on Physical Function and Activity After Total Knee Replacement

Key Points Question Can exercise programs delivered at a later stage (>2 months) after total knee replacement improve the functional limitations that persist after surgery? Findings In this randomized clinical trial of 240 individuals at a later stage after knee replacement, all arms (physical therapy, community, and control) improved physical function. There were no differences between arms in the primary outcome of patient-reported physical function, whereas the secondary outcome of performance-based physical function demonstrated greater improvement in the physical therapy arm. Meaning While the primary outcome suggests no benefit of later-stage exercise programs, the secondary outcomes suggest beneficial effects of physical therapy but require confirmation.