Effects of Exercise Therapy after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Effects of Exercise Therapy after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Background: M. Gluteus Medius plays an important role in the rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty. There is a lack of evidence on the content and effectiveness of active rehabilitation forms after this surgical procedure. This study aims to investigate which rehabilitation contents, including M. Gluteus Medius exercises, are commonly used and are most effective based on the ICF. Method: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials published between 2007-2018. Databases used are PubMed and WOS. Search terms, search strategies, selection of articles, quality assessment and data-extraction are independently assessed by two researchers. Quality assessment is done according to the GRADE-criteria. Results: Eight studies are included. Following outcomes are assessed: HHS, WOMAC, quality of life, TUG, 6MWT, gait parameters, negotiating stairs, muscle force, 30 sec sit-to-stand, HOOS, one-legged stance test, compliance, patient satisfaction, global perceived effect of treatment, PAS, pain, ROM and Merle d'Aubigné and Postel Score. Discussion and conclusion: Standard, inpatient, outpatient and home-based rehabilitation implementing M. Gluteus Medius exercises are offered to persons after total hip arthroplasty. Body functions and structures level is best improved by adding supervision and progression, for activity level home-based exercises are at least equally effective to the other interventions.