A SIX-WEEK SUPERVISED EXERCISE AND EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION AFTER TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY: A CASE SERIES

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Standard rehabilitation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) often fails to restore high physical activity levels, leading to common residual weakness.
• This study addresses the gap in post-THA rehabilitation for patients seeking to return to demanding activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a tailored exercise and education intervention for THA patients.
• To evaluate improvements in function, strength, and physical activity in patients who have completed formal outpatient physical therapy.

Main Methods:

• A case series design involving two participants who underwent unilateral THA.
• An 18-session intervention including progressive aerobic and strengthening exercises, plus health coaching.
• Comparison of outcomes at 12 months post-surgery with a historical cohort.

Main Results:

• No adverse events were reported during the intervention.
• Significant improvements (approx. 30%) in hip and knee strength on the surgical side were observed.
• Enhanced physical activity and recreational performance, including stair climbing, hiking, running, and golfing, were reported by both participants.

Conclusions:

• The exercise and education intervention is safe and well-tolerated in THA patients.
• Participants demonstrated increased capacity for demanding activities and improved strength, with most gains maintained at follow-up.
• Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger populations.