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The study indicates that perioperative customized exercise program are well tolerated in the elderly patient with endstage hip arthritis and are effective in improving the rate of recovery in ambulatory function in the first 6 mo after total hip arthroplasty.

Until recently, limited evidence existed to support the efficacy of exercise programs for patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty (THA), and no evidence-based guidelines were available regarding the length or intensity of exercise programs and their effect on patient recovery. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the impact of an eight-week pre-surgery and 20 week post-surgery customized exercise program on the strength and function of subjects scheduled for THA. A series of physical tests and quality of life questionnaires were completed by patients (n = 57) pre-surgery and on three occasions post-surgery. In the week prior to surgery, the exercise group exhibited significant improvements (p < 0.05) in composite hip strength score and WOMAC total score in comparison to control subjects. By week 24, post-surgery scores for WOMAC total score, Harris Hip score, composite strength score, hip flexion range of motion of the operated hip and the distance walked in 6 minutes were significantly (p < 0.05) better in exercise group patients. A detailed description of the exercise intervention is presented in this paper.

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