NCT05288803 · VA Office of Research and Development
Improving Rehabilitation for Veterans After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Individualized Recovery Trajectories
What this study is about
This study will examine the impact of a new clinical decision support tool for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Typically, TKA rehabilitation is generic with most patients receiving the same dosage and contents of rehabilitation despite notable diversity among patients who undergo TKA.
View original scientific description
This study will examine the impact of a new clinical decision support tool for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Typically, TKA rehabilitation is generic with most patients receiving the same dosage and contents of rehabilitation despite notable diversity among patients who undergo TKA. The investigators clinical support decision tool is designed to help physical therapists tailor rehabilitation treatments and dosages to the individual needs, goals, and preferences of Veterans recovering from TKA. This study has the potential to improve Veterans' functional recovery after TKA, while simultaneously reducing the average number of physical therapy visits Veterans attend after surgery by tailoring rehabilitation dosage based upon need. This will ensure the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has the resources and capacity to provide adequate rehabilitation to every Veteran seeking TKA in the VHA system. Additionally, if successful, this clinical decision support tool could be used to improve outcomes and access for additional patient populations in the future.
Interventions
OTHER
Clinical decision support tool (CDS tool)
The investigators will integrate the CDS tool into clinical practice at each participating clinic after data collection for the Control cohort is complete. All physical therapists at the participating clinic locations will use the CDS tool to inform rehabilitation decision making for Veterans with total knee arthroplasty. The CDS tool will provide personalized information regarding each Veterans' recovery in addition to personalized visit utilization guidelines. Clinicians will use the CDS tool with Veterans at their initial postoperative visits and every 2weeks throughout their course of care thereafter.
Primary outcome measures
Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome - Joint Replacement (KOOS, JR)
Time frame: Change in KOOS Jr from preop (baseline) to postop (90 days after TKA surgery)
The KOOS-JR is a patient-reported measure of physical function developed specifically for patients with total knee arthroplasty. It can be completed quickly (only 7 items) and has established validity, reliability, and responsiveness. KOOS JR will be assessed preoperatively at baseline and re-assessed at 90 (primary timepoint) and 180 days after TKA surgery. KOOS JR will also be assessed postoperatively throughout participants' rehabilitation episode at approximately 2-week intervals up to 180 days after surgery. We will use the interval scoring method for the KOOS JR which ranges from 0 (total knee disability) to 100 (perfect knee health)
Outpatient Physical Therapy Visit Utilization
Time frame: Postoperative day 90
The total outpatient physical therapy visits used in the first 90 postoperative days by each Veteran participant will be extracted from the electronic health record after the Veteran is formally discharged from outpatient rehabilitation. Any visits that occur prior to a Veteran's surgery or in the hospital setting will not count toward the total visit number. We chose postoperative day 90 as our primary endpoint because it corresponds with the average discharge timeframe for outpatient rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. Visit utilization will also be assed at at 30, 60, and 180 days after TKA surgery.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- -Veterans who have undergone total knee arthroplasty who present for outpatient rehabilitation treatment at the participating clinics within three weeks of surgery.
Exclusion criteria
- postoperative rehabilitation treatment received in the home health or skilled nursing
- age \< 40 or \>90
Where
- Aurora, Colorado
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations