Rehabilitation during early postoperative period following total knee arthroplasty using single‑joint hybrid assistive limb as new therapy device: a randomized, controlled clinical pilot study

The study investigates the use of a single-joint hybrid assistive limb (HAL-SJ) in early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The HAL-SJ is a neurologically controlled device that supports knee movement based on the patient's own bioelectrical signals. Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving HAL-SJ therapy and the other receiving continuous passive motion (CPM) therapy, a common rehabilitation method. The study aimed to assess whether HAL-SJ could improve range of motion, mobility, and patient satisfaction. The results indicated that HAL-SJ is a safe and feasible option for early rehabilitation after TKA, potentially offering advantages in improving daily life impairment compared to CPM. The HAL-SJ group showed a significant improvement in the Oxford knee score (OKS).

• 1
  The Oxford knee score (OKS) improved significantly in the HAL-SJ group postoperatively, indicating improvement in daily life impairment.
• 2
  Both the HAL-SJ and CPM groups showed significant improvement in knee flexion between days 3/7 and 8 weeks postoperatively.
• 3
  No complications related to the use of HAL-SJ were encountered during the study.