Maximal Strength Training in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty

Maximal Strength Training in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: Implementing Evidence Based Rehabilitation Into Clinical Practice, and the Influence of Supervised Training

Conventional rehabilitation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) does not seem to restore muscular strength or walking speed. Three-5 years after surgery patients are still not fully rehabilitated. This study evaluates the effects of maximal strength training on the muscular strength in leg press and abduction in patients undergoing THA. Aim of the study is to increase the patients physical function through evidence-based rehabilitation in clinical practice, with gradually less supervision.

Inclusion Criteria:

• scheduled for total hip arthroplasty (THA)
• living nearby Trondheim
• diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis as the main cause for elective THA
• ASA score of I-III (stable)

Exclusion Criteria:

• muscular or skeletal disease which might influence the training and/or physical testing performance
• communication difficulties
• postoperatively discharged to a rehabilitation institution
• THA in the bilateral hip that is not fully rehabilitated.