Feasibility of continuous physical activity monitoring: first-month recovery markers following joint replacement surgery

BACKGROUND: The role of physical activity (PA) monitoring during the recovery after orthopaedic surgeries is unclear. This study aimed to explore early changes in the pattern and level of PA following orthopedic surgeries.

METHODS: This observational feasibility study included 11 hip replacement patients (four females) with a mean age of 66 years and five knee replacement patients (four females) with a mean age of 65 years. A PA tracker was used to collect the patients' daily PA data, including duration of various activity categories, steps taken, and activity intensity count. The PA tracker recorded data from two weeks prior to surgery until four weeks after the surgery. Ratios of PA parameters for each of the first four weeks following surgery were calculated in relation to preoperative measurements.

RESULTS: Compared to preoperative measurements, during the first four weeks after the surgery, the time spent in a recumbent position decreased from 112% to 106%, while continuous walking time and activity intensity count increased from 27% to 77% and from 35% to 73%, respectively. Step counts increased from 18% to 67%, and sit-to-stands rose from 65% to 93%. No significant changes were found in sitting, standing, sporadic walk time, and sporadic steps.

CONCLUSION: Continuously measuring PA using wearable sensors was feasible in orthopedic patients during the perioperative period. Continuous step count, walking time, activity intensity count showed noticeable changes and stable patterns demonstrating their potential for remote monitoring of patients during the early postoperative period.