Impact of Body Mass Index on Functional Performance After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Received 4 March 2009; accepted 20 August 2009. published online 02 November 2009.
Corrected Proof

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether functional performance and self-report outcomes are related to body mass index (BMI) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that higher BMIs would negatively affect functional performance as assessed by the timed up-and-go test, stair climbing test, 6-minute walk test, and self-report questionnaires. A total of 140 patients with BMIs ranging from 21.2 to 40.0 kg/m2 were followed over the first 6 months after unilateral TKA. Hierarchical linear regression was used to evaluate the impact of BMI on functional performance at 1, 3, and 6 months after TKA, while taking into account preoperative functional performance. There were no meaningful relationships between BMI and functional performance in the subacute (1 and 3 months) and intermediate (6-month) stages of recovery.

Keywords: total knee arthroplasty, body mass index, obesity, functional performance

⁎ Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Denver, Colorado

† Physical Therapy Department, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware

‡ School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana

Reprint requests: Jennifer E. Stevens-Lapsley, PT, MPT, PhD, UCD Physical Therapy Program, 13121 E. 17th Ave, Education Building 2 South, P.O. Box 6508, C244, Aurora, CO 80045.

No benefits or funds were received in support of the study.

This study was approved by the University of Delaware Institutional Review Board.

PII: S0883-5403(09)00409-4

doi:10.1016/j.arth.2009.08.009