Influence of physiotherapy on gait performance of patients after hip replacement

Joanna Kostka
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Małgorzata Kilon
Magdalena Pruszyńska
Jan Czernicki
Zakład Medycyny Fizykalnej I Katedry Rehabilitacji, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi, Polska
Zakład Medycyny Fizykalnej I Katedry Rehabilitacji, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi, Polska
Oddział Kliniczny Rehabilitacji Pourazowej, Uniwersytecki Szpital Kliniczny im. Wojskowej Akademii Medycznej - Centralny Szpital Weteranów w Łodzi, Polska
Katedra Rehabilitacji Akademii Świętokrzyskiej, Filia w Piotrkowie Trybunalskim, Piotrków Trybunalski, Polska

Abstract

Aim: Assessment of walking speed of patients after hip replacement, influence of 3-week physiotherapy on gait performance and assessment whether the time after surgery has an impact on the effectiveness of rehabilitation.

Material and method: The study included 30  patients (22 women, 8 men) aged 64.5 years (33-80 years) after hip replacement hospitalized for the purpose of rehabilitation. Patients were  divided into two groups depending on the time elapsed since surgery (up to 1 year – group I and over 1 year after surgery – group II). The 6-minute walking test (6-MWT) was performed, walking speed was calculated and  information on the pain and difficulties that occur  during walking were collected at the beginning and after a 3-week of stay.

Results: In both groups after rehabilitation period the walking distance measured by 6-MWT and walking speed increased. Increase of walking distance in 6-MWT and walking speed after rehabilitation period was similar in group I and II. In group I, there was a reduction in pain and in difficulty during walking on a flat surface. In the second group difficulty during walking up the stairs decreased, without no change in pain relief.

Conclusion: Mean walking speed in patients after hip replacement is 0.71±0.35m/s, and the walking distance in 6-MWT is 255.7±127.7m. The effect of a 3-week rehabilitation program was an improvement of gait efficiency, regardless of time after the surgery. Rehabilitation performed early after hip replacement surgery can relieve the pain.

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