Exercise improves early functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to apply an 8-week customized exercise program to patients (Group E) scheduled for total hip arthroplasty, followed by a postsurgery exercise program, and show the effect on functional recovery compared with control subjects (Group C) who received no additional exercise apart from routine in-hospital physical therapy. Strength, range of motion, and physical function tests were completed by 57 patients at Week 8 and Week 1 before surgery and at Weeks 3, 12, and 24 postoperatively. No differences between the exercise and control groups were observed at baseline. By 1 week before surgery, patients in Group E had shown significant improvements for Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (total score, stiffness, and physical function components), and combined hip strength. Patients in Group E had improved hip flexion range of motion in the diseased hip compared with patients in Group C. Significant differences in outcome measures between Group E and Group C were observed throughout the postoperative phase from Weeks 3 to 24. The current study showed that customized perioperative exercise programs are well tolerated by patients with end-stage hip arthritis, and are effective in improving early recovery of physical function after total hip arthroplasty.