Effectiveness of Early Balance Exercises on Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: Patients receiving total hip arthroplasty (THA) without a rehabilitation program could develop functional limitation within one year after surgery. Exercise for balance control is critical for mobility, physical function, and prevention of falls. Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of balance training among THA patients.Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of early balance exercises on THA.Methods: This study was a randomized control study for 30 patients undergoing unilateral THA. The postoperative rehabilitation program was started at the second postoperative day for every patient. All the postoperative patients were randomly assigned and equally allocated to balance and conventional groups. Patients in the balance group received typical exercises and balance exercises while those in the conventional group received typical exercises alone. Assessments were taken at postoperative day 2 (baseline) and week 5 using Breg Balance Scale for balance and Times Up and Go Test for ambulatory function. The differences between the two groups were analyzed.Results: Statistically significant improvements were noted at the end of treatment by all outcome measures in both groups (p<0.05). However, the balance group showed better improvement in all outcome measures than the conventional group after the intervention period (p<0.05)Conclusion: Early balance exercises added to typical exercises were more effective than conventional exercises in terms of improving balance and ambulatory function among patients with THA.