Effects of Very Early versus Early Mobilization and Walking on Functional and Psychosocial Outcomes in Acute Phase...

Mobilization and walking after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are delivered as early as patients are able, but heterogeneity in administration timing has been reported. The study aimed to investigate the effects of very early (within 8 hours from surgery) vs early (between 12 and 24 hours from surgery) mobilization and walking on functional and psychosocial outcomes after THA.

In this prospective observational study, 237 patients with THA performed very early (n = 174) or early (n = 63) mobilization and walking. After collecting demographic (age, gender, body mass index) and clinical (osteoarthritis severity, preoperative functional status and comorbidities) characteristics at baseline, participants were assessed for mobility (Timed Up and Go) and pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) at baseline, first (T1) and third (T2) postoperative days. Fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia) and anxiety (Visual Analog Scale for anxiety) were investigated at baseline and T2. Percentage of participants who achieved independent walking at T1, time to meet ambulatory discharge criteria, length of stay, adverse events and satisfaction (Visual Analog Patient Satisfaction Scale) were collected.

No between-group differences were found for Timed Up and Go at T1 (MD -0.8s, CI₉₅ -4.7 to 6.2) and T2 (MD -1.3s, CI₉₅ -1.8 to 4.3). Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, walking independence at T1, time to meet ambulatory discharge criteria, length of stay, adverse events and Visual Analog Patient Satisfaction Scale showed no between-group differences (P > .05).

Very early mobilization and walking were not superior to early mobilization and walking on functional and psychosocial outcomes after THA.