Assessment of the Impact of Training Using the Luna-EMG Rehabilitation Robot on the Functional Status of Patients After Total Hip Replacement: A Randomized Trial

Background: Total hip replacement is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic procedures in the world. Both before and after the procedure, it is recommended to conduct individually tailored rehabilitation. The recent technological advancements in the field of rehabilitation allow for the use of modern robots in the process of improving patients’ mobility. The main aim of this work is to assess the usefulness of therapy using the Luna-EMG rehabilitation robot in the treatment of patients after total hip arthroplasty. It was checked whether training with this device has a more beneficial effect on the endurance of the lower limb muscles and the overall quality of life of patients than traditional kinesitherapy methods. Materials and methods: The study included 66 patients after total hip arthroplasty. The control group underwent a standard rehabilitation program after arthroplasty procedure, while the experimental group followed the training with the Luna-EMG robot. The effectiveness of the therapy was assessed based on the measurement of the maximum quadriceps muscle tension, as well as its maximum and average strength and the DCFC quality of life rating scale. Results: The study did not find significant differences between the groups regarding the surface tension of the quadriceps muscle (p = 0.1016). The values of maximum and average strength increased in both groups (p = 0.0016). A significant improvement in quality of life was observed in both groups, with a noticeably greater effect recorded in the experimental group (<0.0001). Conclusions: The therapy using Luna-EMG did not have a significant impact on the change in tension and strength of the quadriceps muscle; in terms of muscle strength, it did not show greater effectiveness than traditional kinesitherapy methods. In both groups, there was an improvement in subjective quality of life after rehabilitation, while the effect was greater after therapy with the robot Luna-EMG. This device can increase the attractiveness of physiotherapy conducted in clinical settings, tailor it to the individual preferences of patients, mainly with orthopedic and neurological issues, and thereby enhance motivation and satisfaction with therapy.