Abstract
In the recently published article Comparison of
routine physical therapy exercises with and without
core stability exercises in total knee replacement
1
patients by Warner et al, it was found that 6 weeks of
core stability exercises in addition to routine
physical therapy exercises were more effective in
improving lower extremity function than routine
physical therapy exercises alone in patients with
total knee replacement (TKR). However, the link
between core stability and knee or lower extremity
function was not clearly explained.
It is well known that stability and kinematics of the
2
knee may be altered following TKR. The goals of
core stability exercises are to improve the strength
and stability of the trunk, pelvis, and hips (also
3
known as the lumbopelvic-hip complex). The
lumbopelvic-hip or core musculature is responsible
for optimizing the production, transfer, and control
4
of force and motion to the extremities. In view of
the foregoing, it is logical to suggest that
improving core stability through increasing
activation pattern of the core musculature also
improves the activation of the lower extremity
musculature.
5 Karaman et al found that the addition of core
stability training to standard exercise program
improved balance, functional performance and
quality of life than standard exercise program alone
in patients with TKR. Thus, core stability training
may be considered as a potential adjunct treatment
in TKR as reported for other knee-related conditions
6
such as knee osteoarthritis and post anterior
7
cruciate ligament reconstruction
