Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess physical outcome of early maximal strength training after
total hip arthroplasty.
DESIGN: Six- and 12-mo follow-up of 24 (22) total hip
arthroplasty patients randomly assigned to 4 wks of maximal strength training and
conventional rehabilitation and to conventional rehabilitation only was
conducted. After the intervention period, all patients attended conventional
rehabilitation. Outcome measures were hip abduction and leg press strength, gait
patterns, work efficiency, maximal oxygen consumption, and health-related quality
of life. RESULTS: Work efficiency was significantly higher in the strength
training and conventional rehabilitation group compared with the conventional
rehabilitation-only group after 6 and 12 mos by 29% and 30%, respectively. Leg
press for the healthy leg and rate of force development for the operated leg were
significantly higher in the strength training and conventional rehabilitation
group compared with the conventional rehabilitation-only group 12 mos
postoperatively by 36% and 74%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study
demonstrates higher work efficiency after 6 and 12 mos and improved rate of force
development after 12 mos in total hip arthroplasty patients who performed early
maximal strength training combined with conventional rehabilitation after total
hip arthroplasty surgery compared with total hip arthroplasty patients receiving
conventional rehabilitation only. However, the study indicates that a prolonged
maximal strength training program and aerobic endurance training are required to
fully recover total hip arthroplasty patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS