Is Hip Abductor Muscle Strenghth Related to Functional Capabilities in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between hip abductor muscle strength and functionality in individuals with hip osteoarthritis. Method: Forty-four individuals with end-stage unilateral hip osteoarthritis having a mean age of 63.45±10.50 were included in this study. Oxford hip score (OHS), abductor muscle strength test of both hips, visual analogue scale, and timed up and go test were applied to all individuals. Results: The correlation analysis revealed a moderate level and statistically significant relation between the muscle strength of the healthy hip and the OHS (r:0.28 p:0.03), pain during activity (r:-0.41 p:0.003), and pain at rest (r:-0.33 p:0.01). Conclusion: In patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis, a moderate relationship between healthy hip abductor muscle strength and the OHS and visual analogue scale was found. To increase the functional level of patients with hip osteoarthritis, which is reduced due to pain-related limitations of motion, strengthening the healthy hip is crucial. In addition, the reduction of pain due to hip osteoarthritis is key to achieve functionality.