Table 1 Brief description of exercises at each station within the physiotherapy class

1. Bed-based exercises

Low-grade exercises including knee flexion and extension range of motion (2 × 8 repetitions), quadriceps strengthening (2 × 8 repetitions), hamstring strengthening (2 × 8 repetitions), quadriceps stretching (2 × 5 repetitions), and hamstring stretching (2 × 5 repetitions). Progressions include increasing number of repetitions, changing position, and addition of resistance bands or ankle weights

Maintain/improve knee range of motion and strength, simulation of kicking/swimming

2. Getting in/out of bed

Practice turning from back to side and to sitting. Then stand from sitting. Return to sitting then lying (2 × 5 repetitions). Progression includes bridging then sit to stand

Practice transferring in and out of bed log rolling, and sit to stand

3. Balance tasks

Balanced-based exercises including single leg stance (3 × 30 sec) and wobble board (3 × 30 sec). Progressions including increasing duration and including upper limb actions such as throwing, catching and reaching

Improve static and dynamic balance. Falls prevention

4. Stair exercises

Stepping up and down on stairs of varying height (3 × 8 step-ups). Progression includes using higher step

Stair ascent and descent

5. Individualised exercise 1

Exercise designed specifically for individual patients

Individual task

6. Walking exercises

Walking practice (gait re-education). Progressions including from aided to unaided, side stepping, walking over uneven surfaces, walking carrying objects

Walking. Falls prevention

7. Squatting and crouching

Mini and semi-squats (3 × 8 repetitions). Squats can be performed with the assistance of chairs and gym ball. Progressions including increasing the depth of squat and crouching

Squatting and crouching down

8. Cycling

Static bike (1 min cycling followed by 30 sec rest and then repeat). Progressions include increasing resistance and duration of cycling

Improve cardiovascular fitness and knee range of motion

9. Gardening/kneeling

Replicating digging action using stepper (3 × 8 repetitions) with progression including increasing resistance of stepper. Kneeling onto cushioned or hard surfaces (3 × 8 repetitions) with progression including full kneeling and high kneeling. Activities to desensitise the knee joint such as light pressure using different textures (30–60 sec)

Improve kneeling ability

10. Lunges

Mini lunges (2 × 8 repetitions). Progressions include depth of lunge, lunge walking and lunge to bowling or picking up objects

Improve knee strength and ability to picking objects up from floor

11. Individualised exercise 2

Exercise designed specifically for individual patients

Individual task

12. Treadmill/cross-trainer

Practice straight-line walking. Progressions including increase in speed and incline of treadmill, use of cross-trainer

Walking on flat and uphill. Jogging

Improve cardiovascular fitness