Alterations in Balance and Gait Characteristics in Community-Dwelling Elderly Subjects Following Hemi Hip-Arthroplasty Compared to Healthy Control Subjects

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify changes in balance and deviations in gait following hemi hip arthroplasty in 52 community-dwelling elderly individuals (n = 21) compared to healthy elderly subjects (n = 31). We assessed the outcome measures of balance (Berg balance scale) and gait parameters (temporal, spatial, and walking velocity). Those who received a hemi hip arthroplasty demonstrated poor balance (37.857 ± 8.673) compared to healthy elderly (52.484 ± 2.096). During gait, right and left single-limb stance time did not show differences, but double limb support time and cadence had significant differences (P < 0.001) between the groups. Hemi hip arthroplasty elderly had shorter step length (25.055 ± 4.045 cm) and shorter stride length (49.583 ± 8.054 cm) compared to healthy elderly (36.212 ± 9.620 and 72.722 ± 21.036 cm, respectively). Step height was less in those who received a hemi hip arthroplasty thank in healthy elderly. Walking velocity for the hemi hip arthroplasty group (28.690 ± 7.406 cm/sec) was 48.99% less (P < 0.001) than that in the healthy elderly group (58.557 ± 19.210). Effects of exercise on balance and gait parameters for subjects with hemi hip arthroplasty were not significant. Body mass index did not influence the balance and gait parameters. Progressive aging does influence walking velocity between hemi hip arthroplasty and healthy elderly. In conclusion, community-dwelling elderly with hemi hip arthroplasty had poor balance and reduced gait parameters (i.e., double limb support time, cadence, step length, stride length, step height, and walking velocity) compared to age-matched healthy control subjects.