Fysioterapeuten (Nov 2024)
Attitude toward physical activity in Norwegian patients after total knee or hip replacement: A national survey
Abstract
Background: In Europe, arthroplasty surgeries are increasing while the level of physical activity is decreasing and overweight is rising. A transeuropean project promoting physical activity after total knee- or hip replacement was conducted. As a part of that project, this study has surveyed factors contributing to explain attitudes toward physical activity in patients in Norway after total knee- or hip replacement. Method: A survey consisting of background information on demographics, lifestyle, health, and health-service with questions on attitudes toward physical activity within the domains of Quality of life, Physical activity level, Function and Kinesiophobia was sent to 947 persons aged >18 years who had received total hip- or knee replacement 6-12 months earlier. MANOVA compared data between men and women and between hip - and knee operated. A regression analysis investigated which background variables that explained the attitudes toward physical activity. Results: The responses (n=714) were similar independent on men, women, or type of prosthesis. Most respondents had a positive attitude. For all domains, high former level of physical activity was the strongest positive factor, while old age, high body weight, and walking aids contributed to a less positive attitude. Participation in pre- and rehabilitation contributed positively to Physical activity level. Information from the health-service contributed positively to Quality of life and Physical activity level, but not to Function or Kinesiophobia. Implications and conclusion: For a positive attitude toward physical activity, focus should be directed to the importance of former physical activity engagement. Information from the health-service need to be individually adapted to make the patient feel safe with regard to being physically active, particularly for elderly and users of walking aids.
