A TRIAL OF A WEARABLE SENSOR-BASED BIOFEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR RESTORING GAIT SYMMETRY AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Background: Gait asymmetry is a common and persistent impairment following total knee arthroplasty and is associated with delayed functional recovery, abnormal joint loading, and reduced mobility. Conventional rehabilitation improves strength and range of motion but often fails to adequately restore symmetrical gait patterns. Wearable sensor–based biofeedback offers real-time movement feedback and may enhance motor relearning during postoperative rehabilitation. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a wearable sensor–based biofeedback system in restoring gait symmetry and improving functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty compared with conventional rehabilitation alone. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 80 individuals who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Participants were allocated to a biofeedback-assisted rehabilitation group or a conventional rehabilitation group. The intervention was delivered over six weeks. Primary outcomes included gait symmetry index and step length asymmetry. Secondary outcomes included knee flexion range of motion, Timed Up and Go test, and 6-Minute Walk Test. Assessments were performed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The biofeedback group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in gait symmetry index, step length asymmetry, and knee flexion range of motion compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Functional mobility and walking endurance also improved to a significantly greater extent in the biofeedback group. High compliance with the wearable system was observed, and no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Wearable sensor–based biofeedback integrated into postoperative rehabilitation effectively enhanced gait symmetry, joint mobility, and functional performance following total knee arthroplasty. The findings supported the clinical value of real-time movement feedback as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation for optimizing functional recovery.