The proposed project is novel in its goal to establish a foundation for evidence-based rehabilitative nutrition guidelines to enhance perioperative patient care and improve post-operative rehabilitative outcomes specific to muscle health (muscle mass, strength, and function) and quality of life in elective orthopedic surgery patients undergoing total joint replacement procedures. Study Aims. Specific aims and their respective approach for the proposed investigation were: Aim 1: Characterize energy status and protein intake in total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty patients prior to surgery. Approach. Following approval of investigation by the Hartford Hospital Institution Review Board, data collection involved the inclusion of a research information sheet and a 3-day food record with instructions for the respective patient to complete prior to surgery. Aim 2: Evaluate association between energy status, positive or negative energy balance on standard outcome measures assessed throughout physical rehabilitation to determine whether energy status and protein intake at admission predicts objective and subjective rehabilitative outcome measures. Dietary assessments (3-day food record, protein screener) occurred at time points corresponding to physical rehabilitative assessments per approach for Aim 1. Approach. Total Hip Replacement assessments will occur between Day 1 following surgery and Week 2 and 6 months post surgery . Outcome measures included Pain Visual Analog Scale, Hip Disability Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Timed Up and Go Test, 30 second Sit to Stand Test, Passive Hip Range of Motion and Active Hip Range of Motion. Total knee assessments were taken post surgery on between Day 1 and Week 2 and at 4 to 6 Weeks, and 7 to 12 Weeks following surgery. These included Pain Visual Analog Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Timed Up and Go test, 30-second Sit to Stand Test, Passive and Active Knee Range of Motion, and Knee Strength. Aim 3: Validate a protein screener developed by our research team and designed to characterize protein intake and protein source was administered pre- and post-operatively. For the latter, time points were established according to respective treatment guidelines for Total Hip and Total Knee replacement patients, respectively.
Age range
50 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Protein Intake
Timeframe: Protein intake will be assessed 1-2 weeks before surgery and postoperatively at day 1, Week 2, and 6 months for total hip arthroplasty patients
Protein Intake
Timeframe: Protein intake will be assessed 1-2 weeks before surgery postoperatively between Day 1 to Week 2, at 4 to 6 Weeks, and at 7 to 12 Weeks for total knee arthroplasty patients