Early Maximal Strength Training Improves Leg Strength and Postural Stability in Elderly Following Hip Fracture...

Hip fractures predominantly occur in the geriatric population and results in increased physical inactivity and reduced independency, largely influenced by a downward spiral of ambulatory capacity, related to loss of skeletal muscle strength and postural stability. Thus, effective postoperative treatment, targeting improvements in muscle strength, is sought after.

Twenty-one hip fracture patients (>65 yr) were randomized to 8 weeks of either conventional physiotherapy control group (CG), or leg press and hip abduction maximal strength training (MST) 3 times per week. MST was performed applying heavy loads (85-90% of 1 repetition maximum; 1RM) and 4-5 repetitions in 4 sets. Maximal strength (bi- and unilateral 1RM), postural stability (unipedal stance test; UPS), and DEXA-scan bone mineral content/ density (BMC/BMD) were measured before and after the 8-week rehabilitation.

Both MST and conventional physiotherapy improved bilateral leg press 1RM by 41 ± 27 kg and 29 ± 17 kg, respectively (both p < 0.01), while unilateral leg press 1RM only increased after MST (within group and between groups difference: both p < 0.05). MST also resulted in an increase in abduction 1RM in both the fractured (5 kg, 95%CI: 2-7; p < 0.01) and healthy limb (6 kg, 95%CI: 3-9; p < 0.01), while no such improvement was apparent in the CG (between groups difference: p < 0.01). Finally, MST improved UPS of the fractured limb (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in BMC or BMD following the 8 weeks.

Early postoperative MST improved lower extremities maximal muscle strength more than conventional physiotherapy and was accompanied by improvements in postural stability.

Implementing MST in early rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery should be considered as a relevant treatment to curtail the downward spiral of reduced ambulatory capacity typical for this patient group, possibly reducing the risk of recuring falls and excess mortality.

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03030092.