Changes in the contraction ratio of transversus abdominis and quality of life in patients after total hip replacement and three-compartment knee arthroplasty with implant posterior stabilization

Abstract

Core stability is a reference term for the performance of the deep trunk muscles, which provide functional stability of the lumbopelvic area and control the human body in static and dynamic positions. The study group consisted of 30 patients between the age of 42 and 76 years (mean=61.4) after total hip arthroplasty (total hip replacement, Group I) and total knee arthroplasty (three-compartment arthroplasty with posterior stabilization of the implant - Group II). In 18 (60%) patients, hip endoprosthesis was performed, whereas in 12 (40%), three-compartment knee endoprosthesis with posterior stabilization has been implanted. In the study group, Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) of the transversus abdominis muscle thickness was conducted at rest and in contraction, the transversus abdominis activation ratio was specified, the SF-36 Life Quality Questionnaire was applied and a three-week treatment cycle was performed. The tests were carried out twice, i.e. before and after treatment. In the group of patients after total hip replacement, the transversus abdominis (TrA) contraction ratio before the beginning of the exercise programme was 0.79±0.06, and after its completion 0.9 ±0.02. The observed difference was statistically significant at p<0.001. In the group of patients after three-compartment knee arthroplasty, the TrA contraction ratio before the beginning of the exercise programme was 0.78±0.09, and after its completion0 0.91±0.02. The difference of these values was statistically significant at the level of p<0.05. The results of the SF-36 questionnaire in both groups indicate improvement in physical functioning. The observed difference was statistically significant at p<0.001. The performed three-week physiotherapy treatment in conjunction with deep muscle training increases the thickness of the TrA muscle during rest and contraction testing, and increases the transversus abdominis contraction ratio in Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging in the study groups. Furthermore, improvement in the level of physical functioning was observed within the studied groups.

Keywords

• Core stability
• m. transversus abdominis
• Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI)