Functional performance and grip strength after total hip replacement

Objective. The progress of adults after total hip replacement (THR) was measured baseline to discharge using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Measures of effectiveness and efficiency were investigated. Additionally, although grip strength is frequently evaluated, its relationship to impact on functional gains after THR is unknown and was explored in this study. Method. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 41 patients' progress in acute rehabilitation following THR. Baseline and discharge FIM subscales of self-care, mobility, and locomotion were compared using paired t-tests with post hoc correction for type I error. Effectiveness and efficiency indicators on FIM subscale improvement were calculated. Grip strength was compared to expected values by age and gender using one-sample t-tests. Then, grip strength and FIM subscale scores were correlated using Pearson correlation. Results. FIM subscale scores each improved 2.1 points on average. Statistically significant improvement was made in 10 subscales of self-care, mobility, and locomotion. Grip strength was significantly less than expected norms in six of 14 subgroups after surgery; four of eight were female subgroups. There were no significant correlations between grip strength and any FIM subscale. Conclusion. Improvement in functional performance, as measured by FIM, was made on all FIM subscales. Grip strength after THR was moderately decreased from the norm. Results suggest that loss of grip strength alone may not adversely affect functional performance.