Comparison of a Conventional and a Computerized Approach in the Early Rehabilitation of Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

The aims of this study were to compare the effectiveness of computerized versus conventional exercises, and to determine their optimal frequency, intensity, and duration after a total hip arthroplasty (THA), due to a lack of consensus. One hundred and ten patients (age 66.09±10.4 years), with unilateral or bilateral THA for osteoarthritis, were randomly divided into three groups: 1st group (n=34) performed computerized home exercises, 2^nd group (n=34) – conventional supervised exercises, and 3rd (control) group (n=42) – without interventions. The outcomes (on the day before surgery, and on the 7th, 14th, and 30th day after surgery) were: Harrison Hip Score (HHS); frequency, intensity, and duration of the exercises. HHS results showed significant improvement in all groups – the weakest for the third group, better for the second one, and the best for the first group (P<0.05). All results improved if exercise frequency (more than 5 times daily), intensity, and duration increased (P<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the computerized approach is an effective alternative to the conventional one in the rehabilitation of patients after THA. Optimal  recommendations should include frequency of exercises more than 5 times daily, with high intensity, and long duration, regardless of the approach – computerized or conventional. To reach such frequency, it is necessary to perform the exercises independently, and not only under supervision.