A Novel Physical Therapy Administered Physical Activity Intervention After TKR: A Pilot Study

Participants can read how many steps/day they walked on the Fitbit® daily. The treating physical therapist reviews Fitbit® recorded steps from the previous week and together with the patient sets a new step goal. The physical therapist discusses barriers to meeting step goals are discussed. Self-reward for meeting step/goal is set weekly. Participants in this group will also receive 1-month phone calls for 6-months after completing physical therapy rehabilitation to discuss physical activity, set monthly step count goal, barriers to overcoming goal and to continue to develop a reward system for when the participant achieves their step count goal.

Standard of care physical therapy after total knee replacement. The goals of physical therapy are to increase knee range of motion and strength, improve balance and agility, and increase daily walking. Physical therapy appointment times range from 45-60 minutes with appointments occurring 2 times a week for 6-8 weeks.