Health-related quality of life: is it a good indicator of function post THR?

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measured with the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) on Functional Recovery Status (physical and psychosocial recovery status) at base-line, 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months following total hip replacement (THR). A secondary analysis was performed using data gathered from a sample of 271 older adults post THR. Four empirically based hypothesized models were tested. None of the models fit the data, with each having significant chi2 values and chi2 /df ratios greater than 3. Different dimensions of HRQOL at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 months were related to physical recovery status, and none of the 8 dimensions of the SF-36 was significantly related to psychosocial recovery status. Overall, the results of this study do not support the hypothesis that HRQOL, as measured by the SF-36, comprehensively explains functional recovery status following THR. Clinically, these findings may be applicable to individuals at risk for poor recovery. They also may prompt practitioners to consider alternative factors that influence psychosocial recovery.