Pre-surgical sensorimotor training for patients undergoing total hip replacement: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Total hip replacement (THR) is a common procedure for end-stage hip osteoarthritis.
• Post-operative recovery and long-term outcomes can be influenced by pre-operative physical and psychological status.
• Sensorimotor training aims to improve neuromuscular control and proprioception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of pre-operative sensorimotor training on physical function, quality of life, and disability in patients undergoing total hip replacement.
• To determine if sensorimotor training impacts post-operative recovery trajectories.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 80 patients awaiting THR.
• Intervention group: pre-operative home-based sensorimotor training program.
• Control group: no pre-operative intervention.
• Outcomes assessed pre-surgery, and at 10 days, 4 months, and 12 months post-surgery using questionnaires and objective balance tests.

Main Results:

• Improved quality of life and sensorimotor function were observed pre-operatively in the intervention group.
• These pre-operative benefits were not sustained post-surgery.
• The intervention group reported increased disability at the 4-month follow-up.
• Quality of life at 1-year follow-up was influenced by group allocation and time point.

Conclusions:

• Pre-operative sensorimotor training did not demonstrate a useful long-term effect on physical function or disability after total hip replacement.
• Psychological factors, coping strategies, and patient expectations are crucial considerations for optimizing post-THR outcomes and satisfaction.