Overview

The purpose of this prospective study is to explore whether maximal and self-selected walking speed in individuals with knee arthroplasty is a useful and applicable clinical measure that can provide new insights into physical function after prosthetic surgery. We will examine the progression of walking speed and other measures of physical function, and investigate if walking speed can predict postoperative function. Individuals over 55 years, scheduled for knee arthroplasty will be invited to participate. Standardized functional tests such as walking speed, sit to stand and one legged stance along with patient reported outcomes will be assessed preoperatively, three months and 12 months after surgery. The study may provide useful knowledge that can be aplied clinically in the assessment and follow-up of this patient group.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria: age 55 +, living in or near the city of Oslo (up to appox 2 hours commute), sceduled for primary knee arthroplasty, able to walk independently with or without walking aids, understand and speak Norwegian sufficently to take instructions and respond to questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

Other reasons than osteoarthritis for knee arthroplasty, revision due to infection or failure, arthroplasty in the same or other limb during the 12 months time period, severe neurological or ohter types of disease that affects walking (e.g MS; parkinsonism, hemiplegiea)