Preoperative and postoperative psychologically informed physical therapy: A systematic review of randomized trials among patients with degenerative spine, hip, and knee conditions

Purpose

To summarize evidence on preoperative and postoperative psychologically informed physical therapy (PIPT) for improving outcomes after degenerative spine, hip, or knee surgery.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched. Randomized trials were included if they examined the efficacy of a preoperative or postoperative intervention involving the delivery of psychologically based strategies by a physical therapist for improving function/disability, pain, quality of life, or psychological factors. Outcomes at 12 months or longer were considered long-term.

Results

Twelve articles representing 10 unique studies (total N = 1,127 patients, 636 (56.4%) females) in lumbar (n = 7) or cervical spine surgery (n = 1), total knee arthroplasty (n = 1), and total knee/hip arthroplasty (n = 1) were included. The most common PIPT components were coping skills training, psychoeducation, and positive reinforcement. Greater improvements following PIPT were reported in 5 (56%) studies for function/disability, 6 (60%) for pain, 5 (71%) for quality of life, and 7 (70%) for psychological factors. Of these, greater long-term benefit was reported in three studies for function/disability, two for pain or quality of life, and four for psychological factors.

Conclusion

When examining postoperative effects, there is no clear superiority of PIPT after surgery. However, the data illustrate potential for further development of PIPT in the context of surgery.