According to research recently completed by Dr. Darryl D'Lima, patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery should stick with physical activity that is gentle for the new knees.
More than 450,000 complete knee replacements are completed each year. During the surgery, the knee joint that is ailing or in disrepair is replaced with a man made material. The participants in the study were fitted with knee replacement joints that allowed doctors and researchers to measure the amount of force on the knee joint during every day activities, as well as physical
Exercise.
One year after total knee replacement surgery, four patients underwent force measuring tests while engaging in one of four physical activities. These activities included walking, playing tennis, running and golfing. Of the four activities, the least amount of force was measured in the patients who chose to bike and walk, either on a treadmill or open ground. The most force was created in patients who participated in golf and tennis.
Dr. D'Lima revealed that the majority of the force during golf, measured as approximately 3.5 times body weight in force, occurred as a quick burst to the joint. “I think golf should be OK,” he said. But, running and jogging was not so well favored. According to the study, patients who are post knee replacement surgery should refrain from jogging or running on the new joint.
While the research certainly shows the harsh effects of certain physical exercises on a new knee joint, these results have not been studied long term. There is currently no evidence of any increase in joint failure due to physical activities causing force on the new joint.
