Group physiotherapy provides similar outcomes for participants after joint replacement surgery as 1-to-1 physiotherapy: a sequential cohort study.

The objective of this study was to compare effectiveness and time efficiency of physiotherapy rehabilitation provided within a group with an individualized program provided at home for improving participants’ outcomes after total joint replacement surgery. 51 patients having hip or knee replacement surgery in an 8-month period and who were able to weight-bear postoperatively were admitted to the study and were entered into the exercise group or the home physiotherapy group. There was no difference between the 2 groups for either the WOMAC or SF-36 scores, 6-m walk test, TUG test, or ROM measures at 12 weeks, although both groups of patients improved between hospital discharge and 12 weeks. The class group accessed more frequent physiotherapy than the home group. The physiotherapist’s time was less per patient per visit for the class group than for the home visits.

This trial suggests that the class-based exercise rehabilitation was the most efficient method of delivery of the physiotherapy service, without cost to patient outcomes.

Coulter CL, Weber JM, Scarvell JM. Group physiotherapy provides similar outcomes for participants after joint replacement surgery as 1-to-1 physiotherapy: a sequential cohort study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Oct;90(10):1727-33