Musculoskeletal Care最新文献

{"title":"Risk Stratification and Neck Pain Management in Office Workers Using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment.","authors":"Pragya Kumar, Mohammad Ahmad, Jasmine Kaur Chawla","doi":"10.1002/msc.70208","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70208","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The present study aimed to identify the role Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) for the assessment of office worker's ergonomics in the workplace and its efficacy in designing targeted interventions with a specific focus on neck pain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty six office workers (Mean Age = 33.04 ± 9.98 years; Mean BMI = 21.45 ± 2.1 kg/m²; Females-25; Males-41) with mild to moderate neck disability were after giving their informed consent. Based on RULA scores and ergonomic risk levels, participants were divided into three groups - low risk (Group A; n = 22), moderate risk (Group B; n = 22) and high risk (Group C; n = 22). Targeted interventions including ergonomic counselling, brochures, practical workplace modification sessions, and postural correction exercises were administered. Pre- and post-intervention assessments (at 0, 2 & 4 weeks) for improvements in neck pain, discomfort and ergonomic risk were compared using mixed model ANOVA (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings revealed widespread poor posture among office workers, with tasks involving prolonged computer work, phone usage, and extended sitting periods posing elevated risks of WMSDs. Significant improvements were seen from baseline to weeks 2 & 4 for pain (F = 182.26; p < 0.05), neck disability (F = 667.47, p < 0.05) and postural risk (F = 393.69, p < 0.05). Significant improvements in pain (F = 38.35, p < 0.05) and postural risk (F = 159.27, p < 0.05) were observed between group comparisons. Significant group × time interactions were seen for Neck Disability (F = 8.71, p < 0.05) and postural risk (F = 12.95, p < 0.05) indicating differential gains by risk category. Tukey's post hoc comparison confirmed Group C showed maximum changes (p < 0.05) in pain & postural risk followed by Groups B & A, whereas neck disability did not differ between groups (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings indicate that RULA helped in facilitating postural risk stratification, guiding targeted ergonomic interventions to alleviate neck pain and disability among office workers. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term benefits of follow-up-based on continuous ergonomic interventions using artificial intelligence.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70208"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147522345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Patient Expectations and Perceptions Among Physiotherapists in the Field of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Cross-Sectional, Questionnaire-Based Study.","authors":"Svetlana Pakhomova, Etienne Panchout","doi":"10.1002/msc.70211","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent a major burden for healthcare systems. Aligning care with patient expectations is a cornerstone of patient-centred care and is associated with greater satisfaction, engagement, and clinical outcomes. However, discrepancies may exist between what patients prioritise and what physiotherapists (PT) perceive as important.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the priority expectations of patients with MSD and the degree to which these expectations are perceived and prioritised by PT.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted using two parallel online questionnaires: one for MSD patients (n = 618) and one for PT (n = 489). Twenty-two care expectations were ranked across four domains: information, therapeutic interaction, technical expertise, and care environment. PT ranked expectations as they believed their patients would. Group comparisons were performed using Mann-Whitney tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PT accurately identified the overall top-ranked expectations, such as understanding the cause of pain and rapid access to care. However, 16 out of 22 expectations showed significant differences in perceived importance between patients and PT (p < 0.05). PT overestimated the need for quick solutions and underestimated the value placed by patients on clear explanations, shared decision-making, and clinic facilities.</p><p><strong>Interpretation and conclusion: </strong>While PT can broadly identify key patient expectations, it tends to misjudge the weight patients place on communication, autonomy, and the care environment. These findings underline the need to strengthen training in communication and shared decision-making to improve the therapeutic alliance and the quality of care in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70211"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13021288/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147522329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Service Evaluation of Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal Community Appointment Days.","authors":"Brian Slattery, Craig Grant, Alison Peters, Nick Kinniburgh","doi":"10.1002/msc.70207","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70207","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>NHS Lanarkshire (NHSL) Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal (MSK) service receives approximately 30,000 referrals annually, facing long waiting times and workforce pressures. To address these challenges, NHSL piloted Community Appointment Days (CADs)-a patient-centred model offering same-day assessment, advice, and community support in non-medical settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods service evaluation was conducted using retrospective analysis of data from ten CADs delivered across three leisure centres in 2024-2025. Quantitative data from the Patient Management System included attendance, outcomes, and re-access rates. Qualitative data were collected via patient passports, surveys, and interviews. Objectives were to assess impact on waiting times, patient experience, cost avoidance, and sustainability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 2,287 patients booked, 1,866 attended. Outcomes included discharge (10%), patient-initiated review (PIR) (53%), and return appointment (37%). Average time per CAD was 69 minutes. PIR return rate was 8%, with 0% ED attendances for the same condition. CADs enabled a 3.7-fold increase in new patient capacity on the day, reducing waiting times in targeted waiting lists by 5 weeks in 2024 and 9 weeks in 2025. Initial setup costs were £16,388; subsequent CADs projected cost avoidance of £4,132 each. Patient feedback was highly positive, with strong Care CollaboRATE scores, though some reported environmental challenges. Staff reported CADs as less stressful or similar to routine work.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CADs are a scalable, patient-centred model that improves access, reduces waiting times, and supports self-management while maintaining safety. Future work should refine triage, enhance booking systems, and evaluate long-term outcomes to ensure sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70207"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147515729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Isolated Balance Exercise Regimen and Conventional Physiotherapy on Lumbar Flexion-Rotation Movement Impairment in Male Patients With Mechanical Low Back Pain.","authors":"Himanshu Rakheja, Himanshu Gakhar, Pooja Anand, Priyanka Soni, Anoop Kumar Tarsoliya, Sarika Bhati","doi":"10.1002/msc.70187","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70187","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lumbopelvic Flexion-Rotation Movement Impairment Syndrome is a common pattern observed in individuals with mechanical low back pain (MLBP) characterised by altered postural control and neuromuscular dysfunction. Isolated balance training may offer focused benefits in such cases.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the effectiveness of an isolated balance exercise regimen with conventional physiotherapy in managing Lumbopelvic flexion-rotation movement impairment syndrome in male patients with MLBP.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A single-centre experimental study was conducted on 30 male patients (aged 18-26 years) diagnosed with Lumbopelvic flexion-rotation movement impairment syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to Group A (Isolated Balance Exercise) or Group B (Conventional Physiotherapy). Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using standardised pain and disability scales.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups showed statistically significant improvements. Group A showed reductions in pain (Mean = 1.86, SD = ± 0.639) and disability (Mean = 1.60, SD = ± 0.736). Group B also improved in pain (Mean = 1.66, SD = ± 0.899) and disability (Mean = 1.60, SD = ± 0.7368). The isolated balance regimen was comparably effective with conventional therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Isolated balance training is an effective and viable standalone intervention for managing MLBP due to Lumbopelvic flexion-rotation movement impairment syndrome.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70187"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146197965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional, Sleep-Related, and Pain-Related Emotional and Social Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Hossein Safaei, Chakavak Valadkhani, Seyede Zahra Emami Razavi, Mohaddeseh Azadvari","doi":"10.1002/msc.70206","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP) is a multifactorial condition associated with pain-related emotional impact and sleep disturbance. Its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in non-Western populations remains understudied. This cross-sectional study examined associations between disability, pain, sleep, pain-related emotional and social factors, and HRQoL in Iranian adults with CNNP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Adults with CNNP were recruited from tertiary rehabilitation centres in Tehran. Of 135 screened, 107 were analysed. Instruments included the NDI, NPDS, VAS, PSQI, and SF-36. Spearman's correlation, multivariable regression, and bootstrapped indirect-association analyses were used to identify factors associated with HRQoL.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants exhibited moderate disability (NDI 17.2 ± 6.5; NPDS 48.1 ± 16.5) and poor sleep (PSQI 6.4 ± 3.7). Pain was correlated with disability (ρ = 0.44), sleep dysfunction (ρ = 0.55), and lower SF-36 scores (p < 0.05). Sleep disturbance was the primary independent factor associated with reduced Vitality, Mental Health, and Social Functioning, while sleep latency further contributed to lower Vitality; together, these variables explained 28%-49% of the variance across these domains (adjusted R² = 0.28-0.49). Lifting difficulty and pain with walking predicted poorer Physical Functioning, and lifting difficulty also predicted greater Bodily Pain. Difficulty working overhead uniquely contributed to lower General Health. Pain interference with work contributed to reduced Physical Functioning, while daytime dysfunction was associated with Bodily Pain. A BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² was associated with greater pain severity, poorer sleep, and lower HRQoL. A more negative Pain-Related Outlook on Life/Future was linked to lower Vitality, and pain-related emotional impact corresponded to reduced Mental Health. No severe multicollinearity or construct redundancy was detected.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CNNP was associated with disability, sleep disturbance, and pain-related emotional and social interference, each contributing independently to reduced HRQoL. Findings support the importance of individualised, multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategies incorporating biomechanical, sleep-focused, and psychological interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70206"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147494789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inter-Rater Reliability of Active Cervical Range of Motion Measured With Digital Goniometer in Asymptomatic University-Level American Football Athletes.","authors":"Mathieu Lanoue, Maée Camara, Jean-Christophe Moreau, Louis De Beaumont, Isabelle Pagé, Laurie-Ann Corbin-Berrigan","doi":"10.1002/msc.70205","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70205","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70205"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13002324/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147487222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-Reported and Performance-Based Functions Differ for People With Tibiofemoral and Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis.","authors":"P Ratan Khuman, Lourembam Surbala Devi, Hemal M Patel","doi":"10.1002/msc.70200","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>To investigate compartment-specific concordance between self-reported measures (SRM) and performance-based measures (PBM) of physical function, and to compare the functional outcomes between isolated patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (PFJ OA) and tibiofemoral joint osteoarthritis (TFJ OA) subgroups.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This cross-sectional study recruited 168 adults (45-65 years) with radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Participants were stratified into PFJ OA (n = 83) or TFJ OA (n = 85) using Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST)-adapted radiographic criteria and symptom profile. Self-reported function was measured using the Gujarati modified WOMAC (mWOMAC) physical function subscale. Performance-based functions were assessed with the OARSI minimum core set: 30-s Chair Stand Test (30-s CST), 40-m Fast-Paced Walk Test (40-m FPWT), and 11-step Stair Climb Test (11-step SCT). Pearson's correlations evaluated within-group associations; unpaired t-test compared groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>TFJ OA participants reported significantly greater functional limitation on mWOMAC (45.8 ± 17.1) than the PFJ OA group (35.9 ± 12.8) (p < 0.001) despite objectively superior performance on 30-s CST (9.0 ± 2.2 vs. 7.4 ± 1.1 repetitions; p < 0.001) and 40-m FPWT (1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 m/s; p < 0.001). Stair-climb time was comparable between groups (p = 0.969). Within-group correlations revealed task-specific patterns: PFJ OA showed strong correlation only with 11-step SCT (r = 0.589, p < 0.001), whereas TFJ OA exhibited moderate-to-strong correlations with 11-step SCT (r = 0.366) and 40-m FPWT (r = 0.646; both p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TFJ OA exhibits a striking paradox of greater perceived disability despite objectively better performance on the OARSI minimum core set. These findings highlight the limitation of relying on single assessment methods. A comprehensive assessment approach incorporating both self-reported and performance-based measures is recommended. Additionally, adopting an integrated compartment-specific evaluation framework is strongly advocated to facilitate precise clinical interpretation and optimise rehabilitation planning.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70200"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147356990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmentally Sustainable Approaches to Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: An Umbrella Review of Practices With Potential Carbon Efficiency.","authors":"Srishti Banerjee, Yagna Unmesh Shukla","doi":"10.1002/msc.70191","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare systems significantly contribute to carbon emissions, prompting a shift towards sustainable practices. Physiotherapy interventions, particularly those minimising travel, hospitalisation, and pharmaceuticals, offer promising low carbon strategies for musculoskeletal care (MSK).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To synthesise evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on 5 physiotherapy intervention domains-telerehabilitation, prehabilitation, self-management strategies, comparisons with NSAIDs and group exercises in adults aged ≥ 18 years with non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An umbrella review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A search across five physiotherapy intervention domains, four electronic databases from date of inception till may 2025: Pubmed, Cochrane, PEDro and Epistemonikos. Acute to chronic MSK conditions were included. Intervention duration varied across studies ranging from short term (2-6 weeks) to long term upto 12 months. AMSTAR 2, ROBIS and GRADE were used to assess study quality, bias and certainty of evidence. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and physical function. Secondary outcomes included functional capacity, adherence, healthcare utilisation/cost, quality of life, and adverse events.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Telerehabilitation and prehabilitation improved pain, function and hospital stay. Exercise-based physiotherapy showed benefits comparable to NSAIDs with fewer side effects, while self-management and group exercise demonstrated scalable but low certainty.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although sustainability was not a primary selection, all included interventions aligned with low carbon healthcare principles, underscoring their potential for integration into future climate conscious care models. Building on findings, future research should integrate sustainability metrics to support the routine adoption of low carbon physiotherapy in MSK care.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70191"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Online Learning Module From the National RA Society for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis to Support Self-Management of Pain and Flares: A Service Evaluation.","authors":"Ian C Scott, Sarah Ryan, Gillian Levey, Martin J Thomas, Samantha L Hider, Ailsa Bosworth","doi":"10.1002/msc.70210","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70210","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have chronic pain and flares of arthritis. The National RA Society has co-produced a freely available online learning module with an NHS multidisciplinary rheumatology team to support people with self-managing these RA impacts. This service evaluation assessed peoples' self-reported knowledge and confidence in self-managing pain/flares before and after accessing the module, the extent to which they used the module suggestions, and how they felt the module could be improved.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A survey was sent via email in March 2024 to the 500 people completing the module who consented to contact for feedback. Survey questions covered: pain experience/management; knowledge/confidence on managing pain/flares; likelihood of trying module suggestions; and free-text feedback. Descriptive statistics summarised responses. Fisher's exact tests compared Likert-type responses for knowledge/confidence pre-/post-module.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred and thirty four people completed the survey (27% response rate), of whom 98% experienced pain in the past 3 months and 36% reported 'high impact' chronic pain. More (95%) reported being 'very/fairly/somewhat' knowledgeable at managing pain after completing the module compared to before completing the module (62%; p < 0.01). For managing flares, these levels were 93% post-module versus 52% pre-module (p < 0.01). Similar findings were seen for confidence. 90% reported themselves as 'very/fairly/somewhat' confident at managing pain post-module versus 50% pre-module (p < 0.01). For managing flares, these levels were 90% post-module versus 44% pre-module (p < 0.01). Most reported they were likely to try module suggestions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This freely available online digital information about pain/flares was appreciated by people with RA and helped them deal with these common condition aspects.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70210"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147500219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Sling Exercise Training Compared to Standard Physiotherapy to Improve Muscle Strength, Joint Range of Motion and Functional Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Nooshin Rajaeian, Bijan Rajaeian, Gholam Ali Ghasemi, Negin Ghasemi Kahrizsangi","doi":"10.1002/msc.70212","DOIUrl":"10.1002/msc.70212","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Recovery following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is frequently incomplete, highlighting the need for more effective rehabilitation approaches.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial allocated 40 women undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to either Sling Training (ST) or Standard Physiotherapy Training (SPT) (1:1). Both groups completed supervised outpatient rehabilitation three times weekly for 8 weeks, beginning 1-week post-surgery. Outcomes included quadriceps and hamstring isometric strength, knee range of motion, and WOMAC total score, assessed at baseline and week 8 by a blinded assessor.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups improved significantly; however, ST produced larger gains in quadriceps strength (+60% vs. +30%), hamstring strength, knee flexion ROM (+19.2° vs. +12.2°), and WOMAC reduction (-41.9 vs. -35.7; p = 0.003). Approximately 90% of ST participants versus 75% of SPT participants exceeded the ≥ 12-point MCID threshold.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Sling-based exercise training may offer superior early functional and strength recovery compared with standard physiotherapy after TKA, supporting its potential role as an adjunct to early rehabilitation. Larger, multi-centre trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and generalizability.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>IRCT20221226056934N1.</p>","PeriodicalId":46945,"journal":{"name":"Musculoskeletal Care","volume":"24 1","pages":"e70212"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}