Affiliation:
1. Træningscenter Brøndby, Horsedammen 36A, 2605 Brøndby, Denmark
2. Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, P.O. Box 157, 22100 Lund, Sweden
3. Department of Orthopedics, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, 21428 Malmö, Sweden
Abstract
Although hip fractures are common and severe, there is insufficient evidence concerning which type of rehabilitation is most beneficial. The primary aim of this three-armed pilot study was to investigate any difference in outcome after hip fractures between and within groups in terms of balance, everyday activities, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following different home rehabilitation interventions. Further aims were to study feasibility and to suggest, if necessary, adjustments to the protocol for a future full randomized controlled trial (RCT). In total, 32 persons were included in this study. The intervention groups underwent the HIFE program with or without an inertial measurement unit, while the control group underwent standard rehabilitation. Within- and between-groups differences in outcomes and feasibility outcomes in terms of recruitment and retention rates were analyzed, and the ability to collect primary and secondary outcomes was assessed. Balance, measured as postural sway, showed no significant improvement in any group. All three groups improved in functional balance (p = 0.011–0.028), activity of daily living (p = 0.012–0.027), and in HRQoL (p = 0.017–0.028). There were no other significant changes within or between the groups. The recruitment rate was 46%, the retention rate was 75%, and the ability to collect outcome measures was 80% at baseline and 64% at follow-up. Based on the results, it is possible to, after adjusting the protocol, conduct a full RCT.
Subject
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health