Isometric performance following total hip arthroplasty and rehabilitation

We compared differences in isometric strength between older adults who have undergone elective unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and completed rehabilitation with a population of community-dwelling older adults who have not had THA. The study was a cross-sectional design, and 22 unilateral THA...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of rehabilitation research and development 2006-07, Vol.43 (4), p.435-444
Main Authors: Frost, Karen L, Bertocci, Gina E, Wassinger, Craig A, Munin, Michael C, Burdett, Ray G, Fitzgerald, Shirley G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Aged
Arthritis
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip - rehabilitation
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Health aspects
Hip joint
Humans
Isometric exercise
Joint replacement surgery
Joint surgery
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle Strength
Patients
Postoperative period
Rehabilitation
Studies
Surgery
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Summary:We compared differences in isometric strength between older adults who have undergone elective unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and completed rehabilitation with a population of community-dwelling older adults who have not had THA. The study was a cross-sectional design, and 22 unilateral THA subjects and 38 community-dwelling older adults participated. THA subjects received on average 13 outpatient or home-based physical therapy sessions before evaluation. THA subjects were evaluated 4 to 5 months postsurgery. We assessed isometric muscle strength by measuring peak hip torque per body weight with a robotic dynamometer during abduction, flexion, and extension. No significant performance differences were observed between operated and nonoperated hips of THA subjects. THA subject operated and nonoperated hips generated significantly less peak torque per body weight during flexion (p = 0.03) compared with community-dwelling older adult hips (THA subject operated hips = 6.96 ft-lb/lb, THA subject nonoperated hips = 8.26 ft-lb/lb, community-dwelling older adult hips = 11.56 ft-lb/lb). No significant differences were observed between THA subjects and community-dwelling older adults during hip extension (p = 0.55) or abduction (p = 0.17). At 4 to 5 months postsurgery, THA subjects were not at the same level of biomechanical performance as community-dwelling older adults. Significant strength deficits were found in THA subject operated versus nonoperated hips during isometric flexion. Additional or modified physical therapy that targets the hip flexors is recommended after THA.
ISSN:0748-7711
1938-1352
DOI:10.1682/jrrd.2005.06.0100