Factors that affect the period to get a gait in patients after total knee arthroplasty

―Focusing on preoperative factors―

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate preoperative factors that affect gait in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). [Subjects] Ninety-nine patients after TKA. [Methods] Measurement outcomes were the period to get a gait, Japanese version of the modified gait efficacy scale (mGES), pain catastrophizing scale (PCS),rest pain, walking pain, the range of motion of knee flexion and extension, isokinetic knee extension strength and normal walking speed. In statistical analysis, the relationship between the period to get a gait and preoperative factors was evaluated using Pearsonʼs correlation coefficient. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the dependent variable of gait, factors that showed a significant difference in the comparison of gait as independent variable. [Results] Pearsonʼs correlation coefficient indicated the preoperative factors related to gait were mGES (r=­0.40), PCS (r=0.27), isokinetic knee extension strength (r=­0.24) and normal walking speed (r=­0.25). The multiple regression analysis indicated that mGES affect the period to get a gait among other factors. [Conclusion] These results showed that not only muscle strength and walking speed but also mGES affect the number of gait days in patients after TKA.