Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
PulseExploreClubsResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeClubsExplore
August 19, 2026BMC Sports Science Medicine and RehabilitationOpen Access

Comparative effectiveness of exercise-based prehabilitation before total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Authors

YWYuxiang WuLZLin ZhangWLWanpei Luo

Discussion

Loading...

Member takes

Overview

Network meta-analysis reveals modality-specific functional and pain benefits of exercise prehabilitation before knee replacement, suggesting programs be tailored to individual needs.

Key Points

  • To compare the comparative effectiveness of different exercise-based prehabilitation strategies on functional, strength, range of motion, and pain outcomes in adults scheduled for primary total knee arthroplasty.
  • A systematic search across four databases through January 31, 2026 identified randomized controlled trials comparing structured preoperative exercise modalities against usual care, education, or other exercise types (CRD420261325501).
  • Interventions were classified as resistance, neuromuscular, balance, aerobic, or multimodal exercise across 22 RCTs comprising 1,458 participants.
  • A random-effects network meta-analysis evaluated standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pain, knee function, Timed Up and Go (TUG), quadriceps strength, knee flexion range of motion (ROM), and quality of life.
  • Resistance training significantly improved TUG (SMD -0.58, 95% CI -1.13 to -0.02) and quadriceps strength (SMD 0.41, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.67) compared with control.
  • Multimodal exercise significantly improved knee flexion ROM compared to control (SMD 1.63, 95% CI 0.86 to 2.40), balance training (SMD 1.60, 95% CI 0.74 to 2.46), and resistance training (SMD 1.59, 95% CI 0.81 to 2.38).
  • Neuromuscular, aerobic, multimodal exercise, and education reduced pain more than control, while no significant differences emerged across modalities for overall knee function or quality of life.

Cite This Study

Wu et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8563d703308d306e2d7458https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01959-4
View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Effectiveness of prehabilitation modalities before total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and network meta-analysis2026 · 1 citations
  2. 2Efficacy of Pre-operative Physical Therapy on Total Knee Replacements: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials2026 · 1 citations
  3. 3Does Preoperative Rehabilitation Improve Patient‐Based Outcomes in Persons Who Have Undergone Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review2012 · 34 citations
  4. 4Preoperative High-Intensity Strength Training and Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2025
  5. 5Preoperative High-Intensity Strength Training and Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2025