Total Hip Arthroplasty Improves Pain and Function but Not Physical Activity.
Artaban J Jeldi1, Angela H Deakin2, David J Allen2
1Department of Psychology, Social Work and Allied Health Sciences, Institute for Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Department of Orthopaedics, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|March 14, 2017
Summary
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) improved function but did not increase physical activity (PA) levels in patients 12 months post-surgery. Baseline body mass index (BMI) and hip scores predicted activity, suggesting a need for pre- and post-operative PA promotion.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Hip osteoarthritis often leads to reduced physical activity (PA) due to pain and functional limitations.
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA) aims to alleviate pain and enhance function, potentially enabling greater PA.
- This study investigated PA levels in THA patients up to 12 months post-surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify physical activity (PA) levels in patients before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA).
- To determine if PA increases post-surgery and identify factors influencing PA.
- To test the hypothesis that post-operative PA levels would increase.
Main Methods:
- Objective measurement of PA in 30 THA patients pre-operatively and at 3 and 12 months post-operation.
- Assessment of functional outcomes using Harris Hip Score (HHS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT).
- Statistical analysis using mixed linear modeling to explore relationships between PA, time, baseline BMI, age, gender, and baseline HHS.
Main Results:
- Volume measures of PA, including sit-to-stand transitions, upright time, and steps, did not significantly change from pre-surgery to 12 months post-surgery.
- Baseline body mass index (BMI) was a significant predictor of upright time, steps, and functional scores (HHS, 6MWT).
- Baseline Harris Hip Score (HHS) predicted longest upright bout duration, walking cadence, and Oxford Hip Score (OHS).
Conclusions:
- Despite improvements in pain and function (HHS, OHS, 6MWT), PA volume measures did not increase 12 months post-THA.
- Baseline BMI emerged as a stronger predictor of post-operative upright activity and stepping than time.
- Pre- and post-operative PA promotion strategies may be necessary to overcome habitual low activity levels and maximize THA health benefits.
