Hip external rotator exercise contributes to improving physical functions in the early stage after total hip arthroplasty using an anterolateral approach: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an exercise program focusing on hip external rotator muscle on physical recovery in the early post-operative period of total hip arthroplasty (THA).Methods: Patients who underwent THA were randomized to an exercise group (n = 14) or a control group (n = 14). In exercise group, the hip external rotator exercise program was performed 5 times per week for four weeks. Outcome measures were hip pain, hip range of motion, muscle strength of lower extremity and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.Results: Both the hip abductor strength (effect size = 0.60) and TUG test (effect size= −0.53) in the exercise group improved significantly after the intervention.Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrated that exercise program focusing on hip external rotator muscle was an effective intervention, especially in improving both hip abductor strength and walking ability in the acute post-THA stage.Implication for RehabilitationAfter THA, in order to safely progress patients back to their desired activity level, there is a need to develop rehabilitation strategies to expedite and promote the recovery during the acute postoperative period.Exercise program focusing on hip external rotator muscle may lead to significant improvement of hip abductor muscle strength and gait ability in the acute post-THA stage.