Factors influencing life-space mobility change after total knee arthroplasty in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing change in life-space mobility after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis (knee OA). [Participants and Methods] Overall, 58 primary unilateral TKA recipients (9 males and 49 females; age ± SD 74.6 ± 6.5 years) were enrolled. We evaluated Life-Space Assessment (LSA) scores, knee extensor strength, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), one-leg standing time (OLS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis Index, and physical activity self-efficacy (SE) before surgery and at 3 months post-operation. [Results] Life space mobility significantly expanded 3 months after surgery compared with preoperative baseline. Preoperatively, walking SE and knee extensor muscle strength on the operative side were found to have strong correlation with LSA scores, while stairs SE and knee extensor muscle strength of the operative side were correlated at 3 months post-operation. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that to expand the life-space mobility of TKA recipients, it is important to enhance self-efficacy for general physical activity in addition to strengthening the quadriceps muscles.