Optimising Knee Surgery Outcomes: A Prehabilitation Blueprint Using MAI Motion

With knee surgeries becoming more common, it’s increasingly clear that what happens before the operation can influence outcomes just as much as the surgery itself. That’s where prehabilitation, or "prehab," comes in—a proactive approach that builds strength, improves mobility, and prepares patients both physically and mentally for what’s ahead.

Enter MAI Motion : an innovative, markerless motion-capture system that empowers therapists to create personalised, data-driven prehab programmes based on real movement insights. In this article, we’ll show how using MAI Motion in your prehab routine can enhance strength, provide accurate baseline measurements, and set realistic recovery expectations, all helping lead to better surgical results and a swifter return to daily life.

What Is Prehabilitation and Why Is It Important?

Prehabilitation isn’t just about doing a few exercises; it’s a carefully planned programme designed to get you ready for surgery in every way. Physical preparation means building up the strength and flexibility in your knee, setting a foundation for a quicker, smoother recovery. But prehab is also about mindset—understanding what the surgery and rehabilitation will involve so you feel confident and motivated throughout the process.

MAI Motion supports this holistic approach by giving patients real-time feedback during exercises. This instant insight helps you move better and keeps you engaged with your progress. Effective communication between patient and therapist makes prehab a more active, empowering experience—laying the groundwork for your success after surgery.

Starting with Baseline Measurements: The Role of MAI Motion

Before you begin prehab, it’s essential to know your starting point. MAI Motion captures in-depth information about your knee’s current function—such as its range of motion, how smoothly you move, and other key biomechanical details.

Because it’s markerless, MAI Motion is far less intrusive than traditional motion-capture methods. This allows assessments to feel more natural, while still capturing the detailed data therapists need to personalise your programme and track your progress. With clear “baseline metrics,” your therapist can set practical goals and measure improvement over time with precision.

Even better, MAI Motion ’s mobile app (currently in beta) means you can record and review your movements at home, helping you stay on track if getting to the clinic isn’t always easy.

Strength Preparation: Exercises Designed for You

At the heart of prehab are exercises that truly strengthen your knee in ways that matter for everyday life. Functional movements—like sit-to-stand transitions or partial squats—are especially valuable because they mirror the actions you’ll need after surgery.

MAI Motion enables therapists to use a streamlined three-repetition sit-to-stand test , which is easier for patients yet just as reliable as longer assessments. This means you get accurate feedback without unnecessary strain—ideal if pain or limited mobility is already an issue.

Throughout your programme, MAI Motion monitors how well you’re performing each movement. The system’s advanced motion analysis ensures your technique is sound and the exercises are at the right level of difficulty, so you build strength safely without risking fatigue or injury. Therapists can easily modify your plan to suit your comfort and abilities, ensuring progression at a healthy pace.

Tracking Progress and Adapting Your Prehab Plan

Prehabilitation isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. Using MAI Motion ’s clear dashboard, therapists can follow your progress closely—watching for improvements in movement range, smoothness, and control.

With frequent, easy-to-understand updates, you stay motivated and aware of your gains. When the data shows you’re ready for a new challenge (or if there’s something holding you back), your therapist can adjust your exercises accordingly. This ongoing cycle of measurement and adaptation helps your prehab stay perfectly aligned with your needs and your surgery timeline.

It also means that any issues can be spotted early and addressed right away, so you keep moving forward safely and confidently.

Conclusion

Taking a data-driven approach to prehabilitation with MAI Motion brings a new level of precision and personalisation to getting ready for knee surgery . By recording detailed baseline measurements, targeting your exercises effectively, and setting clear expectations for your recovery, MAI Motion ensures you’re as prepared as possible—reducing complications and setting you up for a smoother, faster recovery.

For clinicians, integrating MAI Motion into pre-surgery care means empowering patients with the latest technology and the insights they need to succeed. If you’re involved in knee surgery preparation , embracing this innovation can truly transform your prehab programmes—giving patients the strongest start on their healing journey.