Galea MP, Levinger P, Lythgo N, Cimoli C, Weller R, Tully E, McMeeken J, Westh R
A Targeted Home- and Center-Based Exercise Program for People After Total Hip Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [JOURNAL ARTICLE]
Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2008 Jun 27.
Galea MP, Levinger P, Lythgo N, Cimoli C, Weller R, Tully E, McMeeken J, Westh R. A targeted home- and center-based exercise program for people after total hip replacement: a randomized clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the physical function, gait, and quality of life of patients after total hip replacement (THR) randomly assigned to either a targeted home- or center-based exercise program.
DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.
SETTING: Rehabilitation research center in Australia.
PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three patients with unilateral THR were randomly assigned to a supervised center-based exercise group (n=11) or an unsupervised home-based exercise group (n=12).
INTERVENTION: The center-based group completed an 8-week targeted exercise program while under the direct supervision of a physiotherapist. After initial instruction, the home-based group completed the 8-week targeted exercise program at home without further supervision.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life, physical function, and spatiotemporal measures of gait.
RESULTS: No significant interaction (group by time) or main effects of grouping were found. Within each group, quality of life, and stair climbing improved significantly (P<.05) as did Timed Up & Go test and 6-minute walk test performances (P<.05). Walking speed increased by 16cm/s (P<.01), cadence by 8 steps/min (P<.05), step length by 4.7cm (P<.05), and double-support time reduced by a factor of 16%. Step length symmetry showed significant improvement (P<.05) over time. Step length differential between the affected and unaffected limbs reduced from 4.0 to 2.7cm.
CONCLUSIONS: The targeted strengthening program was effective for both the home- and center-based groups. No group differences were found in the majority of the outcome measures. This finding is important because it shows that THR patients can achieve significant improvements through a targeted strengthening program delivered at a center or at home.
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