The story in detail
After hip or knee replacement, recovery may occur with or without an additional home programme. DRAW2 randomised 169 patients to home telerehabilitation, a home programme or no additional physical rehabilitation for six weeks. The primary daily-function outcome did not show superiority for the rehabilitation groups. The trial deliberately revisited an earlier finding.
It would be too broad to conclude that rehabilitation is unnecessary after every replacement. The programmes, patients and outcome were specific. People with greater needs or different problems may respond differently, and absence of superiority does not prove all rehabilitation approaches equivalent. The study questions automatically providing the same additional programme to everyone; it does not replace an individual postoperative plan discussed with the clinical team.
Study date: 2026-06-10 · Story: 20 October 2026
What was found?
In DRAW2, 169 people after hip or knee replacement received six weeks of home rehabilitation, telerehabilitation or no structured program. Rehabilitation was not superior for daily function. All groups received advice on returning to daily activities.
What does it mean?
The findings highlight questions about who benefits from postoperative support and how it is delivered.
Limitations
This does not mean everyone should stop rehabilitation. Patients with complications requiring extra care were excluded. Specific home programs were tested; hip and knee subgroups cannot support separate firm conclusions.
Sources and review scope
Original article (DOI) · Reviewed source 1
The original abstract, participant criteria, interventions and main results were checked.
Sources last checked: 20 October 2026.
Editorial expansion: 21.10.2026
Keep this story
Feedback to the editor
Only the editor can read this; it is not a public comment. Do not include personal health information.
Sign in to send feedback