Rehabilitation-oriented assessment of functional asymmetry and sensorimotor deficits following total knee arthroplasty: implications for therapeutic strategies in musculoskeletal care.

Background: Functional asymmetry and sensorimotor control impairments often persist in patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), yet they remain under-evaluated in routine clinical settings using simple, scalable tools. Understanding the relationship between these deficits and postoperative outcomes is critical for optimizing rehabilitation strategies. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and degree of functional asymmetry in individuals 6-12 months post-TKA using standardized physical therapy assessments, and to evaluate the predictive value of asymmetry and sensorimotor deficits on both functional performance and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 125 patients aged 55-80 years, 6-12 months after unilateral primary TKA. Functional asymmetry was measured using the Single-Leg Sit-to-Stand (SLSST), Step-Down Test, and modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Functional outcomes included the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST). In contrast, self-reported outcomes were assessed he KOOS-ADL and the KOOS-Function in Sport and Recreation (KOOS-Sport/Rec) subscales were administered. Correlations and multiple regression models were used to analyze relationships between asymmetry measures and outcomes. Results: Significant correlations were found between asymmetry measures and both functional and self-reported outcomes (e.g., SLSST asymmetry and TUG: Conclusion: Functional asymmetry and sensorimotor deficits are independently associated with poorer mobility and self-reported function post-TKA and can be effectively identified using clinically accessible tools, supporting their integration into routine postoperative assessment and rehabilitation planning.