Faster rehabilitation after total knee replacement

Effectiveness of Accelerated Rehabilitation on Knee Joint Function and Quality of Life in Individuals With Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Mahidol University · NCT07319546

This trial will test whether a faster rehabilitation program helps people aged 50–80 recover better and have better quality of life after their first unilateral total knee replacement.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorMahidol University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dali, Yunnan)
Trial IDNCT07319546 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will randomize people aged 50–80 scheduled for primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty in Dali, Yunnan to either an accelerated exercise program or a conventional routine exercise program. The trial is double-blind and compares knee joint function measured by the KOOS and health-related quality of life measured by the SF-36 over a six-month follow-up. Key exclusions include revision TKA, joint infection, cancer, inflammatory arthritis, major neurological disorders, severe osteoporosis, and advanced cardiovascular disease. Outcomes will determine whether the accelerated protocol yields faster or greater improvements in function and quality of life compared with usual care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 50–80 with end-stage knee osteoarthritis scheduled for a first-time unilateral total knee replacement who can follow a structured rehabilitation program and do not have severe comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing revision knee replacement or those with active joint infection, inflammatory arthritis, severe neurological disorders, advanced cardiovascular disease, or severe osteoporosis are unlikely to be eligible and are less likely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the accelerated program could speed recovery, improve knee function, and raise quality of life after knee replacement.

How similar studies have performed: Prior fast-track and accelerated rehabilitation programs after TKA have shown improved early recovery and shorter hospital stays in several studies, though long-term functional benefits are variable.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with end-stage knee OA necessitating primary unilateral TKA.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of joint infections, cancer, or inflammatory arthritis.
* End-stage OA from rheumatoid or septic arthritis.
* Individuals with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, - Parkinson's disease, stroke.
* Individuals who are unable to follow a structured rehabilitation protocol.
* Previous history of knee surgeries (other than arthroscopy).
* Severe comorbidities that would hinder participation (e.g., advanced cardiovascular diseases).
* Individuals who have severe osteoporosis.

Where this trial is running

Dali, Yunnan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Knee OsteoarthristisArthroplasties, Knee Replacement
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.