Article

Besides the important beneficial effects of regular physical activity
on general health, some of the musculoskeletal effects of physical activity are
of particular interest for older adults after total hip arthroplasty (THA).
However, research on physical activity behavior of patients after THA is scarce.
The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the physical
activity behavior and fulfillment of guidelines for health-enhancing physical
activity of patients 1 year after THA. Design This was a prospective multicenter
cohort study. METHODS: To determine level of physical activity, 653 participants
(response rate=77%) completed the Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing
physical activity (SQUASH). Comparisons were made between participants in 2 age
groups (75 years). Determinants of physical activity behavior were
assessed. RESULTS: The participants were physically active a mean of 1,468
minutes per week. Most time was spent in household and leisure activities.
Younger participants were physically more active than older participants. A lower
body mass index was predictive of a higher level of physical activity.
Participants adhered to the guidelines of health-enhancing physical activity in
67% of cases. The guidelines were met more often by younger participants, male
participants, and those without problems in the lower extremities. Limitations A
nonresponse analysis was not conducted; thus, there might have been a selection
bias. Use of a self-administered recall questionnaire to assess physical activity
behavior may have been subject to memory and recall skill limitations of the
participants, and patients tend to overestimate their physical activity level.
CONCLUSIONS: This study gives detailed insight into the physical activity of
patients 1 year after primary THA. As among the general population, a
considerable number of patients were found to be insufficiently physically active.

Langue : ANGLAIS