Functional Exercise After Total Hip Replacement

Functional Exercise After Total Hip Replacement: A Randomised Controlled Late Phase Trial

The aim of this research project is to evaluate the efficacy of a specific functional exercise programme to improve pain, stiffness and physical function in patients post total hip replacement from week 12 to week 18 post surgery.

This will be a single blind randomised controlled trial with two arms. 70 subjects post primary total hip replacement will be randomised either to a functional; exercise group (n=35) or to a control group following usual care (n=35).

Blinded outcome assessments will be carried out on all subjects by the principal investigator using the Western Ontario and Mc Master arthritis index on day 5 , week 12 aand week 18.

Secondary outcomes measurements will also be collated at week 12 and week 18 including SF 12, 6 min walk test, Dynamometry, and a blinded radiologist will also measure glut med cross sectional area using real time ultrasound at week 12 and week 18.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 12 weeks post primary THR for osteoarthritis
• Age 50 years and above
• Able to read and understand and instructions in English
• Willing to attend classes twice weekly for 8 weeks
• Able to participate in an exercise programme without physical assistance
• Able to Mobilize independently 15m without crutches and /or stick -Passed by the referring Orthopaedic Consultant as suitable for inclusion at six week appointment -

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medically unstable
• Any central or peripheral nervous system deficits
• Any underlying terminal disease -Any suspicion of infection following joint replacement -