Effects of Perturbation-Based Balance Training on Balance Ability and Fall Efficacy in Patients After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Perturbation-Based Balance Training on Balance Ability and Fall Efficacy in Patients After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of perturbation-based balance training using pressure biofeedback on balance ability, hip function, and falls efficacy in patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Thirty participants who underwent THA will be randomly assigned to either a perturbation-based balance training group or a conventional balance training group. Both groups will receive intervention five times per week for 6 weeks in addition to conventional physical therapy. Outcome measures include Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Falls Efficacy Scale, Harris Hip Score, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and center of pressure (COP) parameters. The study is expected to provide clinical evidence for improving balance control and reducing fall risk in patients after THA.
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is commonly performed to reduce pain and improve functional mobility in patients with hip joint disorders. However, many patients continue to experience impaired balance control, decreased proprioception, muscle weakness, and fear of falling after surgery. These impairments may negatively affect gait stability, activities of daily living, and quality of life.
Traditional balance training programs mainly focus on static posture control and predictable weight-shifting tasks. However, such approaches may not adequately improve reactive postural control required for unexpected balance disturbances encountered during daily activities. Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) has recently gained attention as an intervention designed to improve reactive balance control by exposing individuals to unexpected external disturbances and encouraging adaptive postural responses.
This study aims to investigate the effects of perturbation-based balance training using pressure biofeedback in patients following total hip arthroplasty. The pressure biofeedback system provides controlled instability and real-time sensory feedback during balance tasks, allowing participants to improve postural control strategies and weight-shifting ability.
Thirty patients who underwent THA will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group will receive perturbation-based balance training using pressure biofeedback in addition to conventional physical therapy, while the control group will perform conventional balance training with conventional physical therapy. Interventions will be performed 5 times per week for 6 weeks.
Outcome measures will include balance performance assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and center of pressure (COP) parameters measured using a Wii Balance Board. Falls efficacy will be evaluated using the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES). Hip function and lower extremity function will be assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).
The findings of this study may provide evidence supporting the clinical applicability of perturbation-based balance training using pressure biofeedback as an effective rehabilitation strategy for improving postural stability and reducing fall risk after THA.
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