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Abstract

Teleprehabilitation with electrostimulation effects on patients
who are candidates for lower limb arthroplasty.
exploratory study

published in September - October 2024 - in Il Fisioterapista - issue n.5
Luca Marin, Federica Manzoni, Massimiliano Febbi, Fabrizio Gervasoni, Emanuele Caldarella, Francesca de Caro, Fabio Re, Pamela Patanè

Hip and knee replacement surgeries have grown significantly in recent years and are expected to continue rising. Preoperative physical fitness is a strong predictor of postoperative outcomes. While there is some debate about the effectiveness of prehabilitation, studies have shown that it can reduce post-surgery costs. This study aimed to compare the effects of two home-based teleprehabilitation programs: one using electrostimulation and the other relying on exercise. Both programs were designed to be equal in intensity and duration. Between April 15th and June 15th, 2023, 12 patients (7 women) scheduled for lower limb arthroplasty, were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: electrostimulation (EG) or exercises (CG). For four weeks, both groups participated in a tele-prehab program consisting of three 30-minute sessions per week. The EG group used an electrostimulator delivered at home, while the CG group followed exercises outlined in a brochure. To evaluate functional abilities and quality of life, two teleconference sessions were held: one at the beginning of the program and another at its conclusion. All outcomes improved in both groups, more in EG but not statistically significant. 30CST: EG (11.62 ± 2.87, 14.23 ± 3.32); CG (10.25 ± 2.92, 13.00 ± 3.74). TUG: EG (11.54 ± 2.96, 9.31 ± 2.46); CG (11.88 ± 4.02, 10.13 ± 3.09). Oxford (Knee or Hip) Score: EG (28.00 ± 8.94, 33.20 ± 7.01); CG (22.63 ± 9.59, 26.13 ± 9.60). 6MWT: EG (195.5 ± 64.5, 347.3 ± 123.4); CG (193.1 ± 77.9, 319.38 ± 66.3). The length of hospital stay was similar between the two study groups: EG (14.6 ± 4.5 days), CG (14.8 ± 3.5 days). The results support the idea that a tele-prehab program, especially with electrostimulation, can positively impact the clinical pathway of people undergoing lower limb arthroplasty.