Combined Cyclic Compression Cryotherapy and Phased Rehabilitation Training for Recovery After Knee Replacement

NCT ID: NCT07089212

Last Updated: 2025-07-28

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 100 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-04-23
• Study Completion Date: 2025-09-01

Brief Summary

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective treatment for severe knee joint diseases; however, postoperative complications such as pain, swelling, and delayed functional recovery remain common challenges. Cyclic compression cryotherapy, which applies alternating cold and pressure to the knee joint, can effectively reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Meanwhile, phased rehabilitation training, tailored to the specific recovery stages post-surgery, facilitates targeted exercise interventions to promote functional restoration of the knee joint.

Conditions

Knee Arthroplasty, Total; Rehabilitation Therapy

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: TRIPLE

Study Groups

conventional rehabilitation treatment.

The control group underwent a 12-week conventional rehabilitation program, which primarily included muscle strength training, endurance training, proprioception training, and joint range of motion (ROM) exercises. Assessments were conducted at baseline (before treatment), as well as at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-treatment. The evaluated outcomes included knee joint ROM, muscle strength, knee function, pain levels, and activities of daily living (ADL).

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Conventional rehabilitation treatment.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

The control group underwent a 12-week conventional rehabilitation program, which primarily included muscle strength training, endurance training, proprioception training, and joint range of motion (ROM) exercises. Assessments were conducted at baseline (before treatment), as well as at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-treatment. The evaluated outcomes included knee joint ROM, muscle strength, knee function, pain levels, and activities of daily living (ADL).

Cyclic cryotherapy combined with staged rehabilitation treatment.

The experimental group received cyclic compression cryotherapy combined with phased rehabilitation training in addition to the conventional rehabilitation program, with a total intervention duration of 12 weeks.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Phased Rehabilitation Training

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Rehabilitation is divided into three postoperative phases:

Early Phase (Weeks 1-2): Focus on edema control, quadriceps activation, and passive/active-assisted range of motion (ROM) exercises.

Intermediate Phase (Weeks 3-6): Progress to strength training, endurance exercises, and early proprioception drills.

Late Phase (Weeks 7-12): Advance to functional training , dynamic proprioception, and full ROM restoration.

Cyclic Compression Cryotherapy

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Initiation: Begin within 24 hours postoperatively. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes, administered 2-3 times daily.

Procedure: Apply a cryotherapy wrap circumferentially around the knee using a pneumatic compression device, with precise control of pressure and temperature.

Pressure Settings: Start at Level I-II (low-to-moderate) and adjust incrementally based on patient tolerance.

Temperature Control: Maintain at 10-12°C.

Interventions

Phased Rehabilitation Training

Rehabilitation is divided into three postoperative phases:

Early Phase (Weeks 1-2): Focus on edema control, quadriceps activation, and passive/active-assisted range of motion (ROM) exercises.

Intermediate Phase (Weeks 3-6): Progress to strength training, endurance exercises, and early proprioception drills.

Late Phase (Weeks 7-12): Advance to functional training , dynamic proprioception, and full ROM restoration.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Cyclic Compression Cryotherapy

Initiation: Begin within 24 hours postoperatively. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes, administered 2-3 times daily.

Procedure: Apply a cryotherapy wrap circumferentially around the knee using a pneumatic compression device, with precise control of pressure and temperature.

Pressure Settings: Start at Level I-II (low-to-moderate) and adjust incrementally based on patient tolerance.

Temperature Control: Maintain at 10-12°C.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Conventional rehabilitation treatment.

The control group underwent a 12-week conventional rehabilitation program, which primarily included muscle strength training, endurance training, proprioception training, and joint range of motion (ROM) exercises. Assessments were conducted at baseline (before treatment), as well as at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-treatment. The evaluated outcomes included knee joint ROM, muscle strength, knee function, pain levels, and activities of daily living (ADL).

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and within 12 weeks after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

2. Aged 18-70 years.

3. First-time unilateral TKA (non-revision surgery).

4. Physically and cognitively capable of completing required assessments.

5. Able to fully adhere to the study protocol.

6. Willing to participate in and complete the entire rehabilitation program.

7. No contraindications for surgery or postoperative rehabilitation.

8. Intact cognitive function (able to provide informed consent and follow instructions).

9. Available for all follow-up evaluations.

Exclusion Criteria

• 1. Severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases. 2. Neuromuscular impairments affecting the lower limbs. 3. Concurrent hip or ankle joint disorders. 4. Intolerance to pain (unable to tolerate rehabilitation protocols). 5. Primary or metastatic bone tumors. 6. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other systemic inflammatory arthropathies. 7. Severe obesity (BMI ≥35) or malnutrition (clinically diagnosed). 8. Inability to comply with study assessments (e.g., due to cognitive or physical limitations).

9. Visual dysfunction impairing task performance. 10. Functional impairment of the non-operated limb hindering testing/training. 11. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS). 12. History of allergic hypersensitivity to interventions used in the study. 13. Hemorrhagic predisposition (e.g., coagulation disorders, anticoagulant use).

14. Active tuberculosis or chronic myelitis. 15. History of substance dependence (e.g., opioids, alcohol). 16. Psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, major depression). 17. Severe dysfunction of major organs (e.g., hepatic, renal, pulmonary).

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 70 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Qilu Hospital of Shandong University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Locations

107 Wenhua Xi Road, Ji'nan Shandong 250012

Jinan, Shandong, China

Countries

China

Other Identifiers

KYLL-202502-012-1

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id