Effect of Lower-Limb Progressive Resistance Exercise After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

Abstract

Objective: Although several studies have reported the effect of progressive resistance exercise (PRE) after hip fracture surgery, little is known about the functional efficacy of PRE. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate whether PRE can improve (1) mobility and (2) other physical functions in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery.

Methods: Eight randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of PRE after hip fracture surgery were retrieved from a PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library search. Our pair-wise meta-analysis used a fixed or random effects model.

Results: PRE significantly improved participants' overall physical functions after hip fracture surgery compared with the control group (standardized mean difference = 0.408; 95% confidence interval, 0.238-0.578; P < .001). It was particularly effective in the areas of mobility (standardized mean difference = 0.501; 95% confidence interval, 0.297-0.705; P < .001), activities of daily living, balance, lower-limb strength or power, and performance task.

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revealed that PRE after hip fracture surgery improves mobility, activities of daily living, balance, lower-limb strength or power, and performance task outcomes. Because of the small sample size in this meta-analysis and considering the increasing incidence of hip fractures, there is a need for large-scale randomized controlled trials to confirm the functional improvement and adverse effects of PRE.

Keywords: Resistance training; hip fracture; meta-analysis; postoperative; rehabilitation.