An investigation on physical activity engagement in people before and after total hip replacement

• Main Author: Withers, Thomas M.
• Published: University of East Anglia 2017
• Subjects: 613.7
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.716435

Background: Total hip replacement (THR), is one of the most common elective surgical operations performed in the United Kingdom. There is however little evidence examining physical activity in this population or interventions to increase it. Study 1: A systematic review examined physical activity change in the THR population pre- compared to up to one year post-THR. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they presented a pre-operative and post-operative measure of physical activity. A total of 17 studies were included. The quality of the included studies was rated as low to moderate. There was no significant difference in pre- versus post-operative physical activity (p > 0.05). The lack of significant physical activity difference should be considered in the light of the poor to moderate methodological quality. Study 2: No previous studies have assessed change in physical activity pre- compared to more than one year post-THR. A secondary data set analysis was undertaken to assess this, and examine if having a THR significantly predicted physical activity. This showed a significant decrease in physical activity pre- compared to post-THR (p < 0.05) nor was having a THR a significant predictor of physical activity (p > 0.05). Study 3: A feasibility randomised control trial was undertaken to examine the feasibility of a pedometer-prescribed walking intervention post-THR. The primary outcome measure was the Oxford Hip Score. Secondary measures were physical activity and quality of life. There was no significant between group differences for any measure (p > 0.05). The intervention was poorly adhered to. There is a need to better understand the barriers to physical activity intervention adherence in this population. Conclusions: These studies have contributed new knowledge to the field. The lack of improvement in physical activity pre- compared to post-THR and the results of the feasibility RCT highlighted the need to better understand barriers to physical activity in this population.