EFFECTS OF VISUAL FEEDBACK DURING BALANCE TRAINING ON KNEE FUNCTION AND BALANCE ABILITY IN POSTOPERATIVE PATIENTS AFTER KNEE FRACTURE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of visual feedback training on knee function and balance ability in postoperative patients with knee fracture. METHODS: A clinical randomized controlled trial with 104 participants, randomly assigned (1:1) to a visual feedback training group or a control group. Eligible participants were evaluated using Lysholm scores, the Tinetti scale, and the evaluation module of TecnoBody(®) to demonstrate dynamic balance function in a standing position before treatment and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Both visual feedback training and control groups improved significantly in the Lysholm and Tinetti scores after 8 weeks. Compared with the control group, the TecnoBody(®) tests included centre of pressure path length, and the area over centre of pressure movement, both of which significantly improved in the visual feedback training group at 8 weeks after treatment. There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of their Lysholm scores and Tinetti gait before the intervention and 4 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSION: Applying visual feedback training in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation strategies may improve knee function and motor control in postoperative patients with knee fracture. Although visual feedback training does not have a short-term effect on knee function and gait, this method could be a useful addition for rehabilitation of knee fracture patients. LAY ABSTRACT This study used the TecnoBody(®) (PK-254P, Bergamo, Italy) to evaluate balance in the standing position of all participants. This equipment provides data on the centre of pressure path length and the area over which the centre of pressure moves. The Lysholm score was used to assess knee function, and the Tinetti scale to assess motor control. Applying visual feedback training in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation strategies could decrease postural sway and increase motor control in postoperative patients with knee fracture, as well as subsequently improve knee function and balance ability. There were no adverse effects due to the combined rehabilitation programme.