The effect of a modified physiotherapy intervention in functional ability of femoral hip-fractured patients after hemi arthroplasty.

Abstract The aim of the present double-blinded, stratified, randomized clinical study was to compare the effect of two physiotherapy intervention programs in the postoperative restoration of the function of hip abductors muscles and of the overall functional ability of patients, who underwent -through transglouteal approach- to hemiarthropasty, due to femoral neck fracture. The ninety-six participants were divided into two groups (48 per group), of which the control group followed the classic rehabilitation program, while the research group followed the suggested physiotherapy intervention program, which was targeting in the progressive strengthening of abductors. The implementation of both physiotherapy programs lasted for twelve weeks, starting on the second postoperative day. Postoperative measurements were performed at the end of the third month -after the end of the intervention-; and again at the end of the sixth month (follow-up measurement). The hip abductors isometric strength assessed with handheld dynamometer and the postoperative functional ability of patients evaluated with the objective TUG test and with the self-reported questionnaire of LEFS-Greek functional scale. Based on the results of the present study it seems that the suggested physiotherapy program, which was targeting in the strengthening of the abductors, resulted in greater absolute value of the hip abductors isometric strength of the fractured limp and less strength deficit as measured from the ratio of isometric strength between fractured and contralateral hip and achieved better functional level as assessed by TUG test and by the LEFS-Greek scale. In conclusion, the suggested physiotherapy program provides faster and more improved functional recovery compared to the classic postoperative program in hip fracture patients. (Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN30713542