The effectiveness of rehabilitation measures in the treatment of vertebrogenic arthralgia of the hip joint

Abstract

The efficacy of a specially designed physical rehabilitation program to alleviate hip pain and improve function in patients with vertebral arthralgia of the hip was investigated. The rehabilitation program included exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the lower back and exercises for balance. Data from 32 women with unilateral or bilateral hip arthralgia were analyzed. They underwent physical rehabilitation for 3 months. The average age of the patients was 64.5 years. The WOMAC questionnaire (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis Index) with three subscales, the Timed-Up and Go functional test, measurements of walking speed, maximum walking speed and the ability to keep balance were used for the initial assessment of the patient's condition and assessment of the effectiveness of the rehabilitation intervention. Walking speed and maximum walking speed were measured using a stopwatch. The balance was tested using the Berg scale. The data obtained indicate significant positive changes in pain sensation and functional ability according to WOMAC, maximum walking speed, in functional test "Timed-Up and Go" and balance under the influence of rehabilitation intervention. The difference in pain score was 70.75 ± 17.58 mm. The indicator of the functional ability of patients associated with the hip joint during the rehabilitation period changed by 31%, which is a significant change (p ≤ 0.05). There was an increase in the maximum walking speed (on average by 26%) and a decrease in the time for passing the ""Timed-Up and Go" test (on average by 13%) (p <0.05).