Nutritional Factors Related to Muscle Weakness 1 Year after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Objectives: Prolonged muscle weakness after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a problem. Despite increasing physical activity up to 3 years after surgery, muscle strength was decreased to 80–90% of the healthy side 2 years after THA. The objective of the present study was to identify the nutritional factors related to muscle weakness 1 year after THA. Methods: Persons who underwent THA were divided into 2 groups according to the cutoff point of knee extensor strength that represents functional limitation: a normal-strength group of 71 persons and a muscle weakness group of 91 persons. The investigators assessed lower limb isometric strength, the 10-m timed gait test, and daily intakes of energy and nutrients from preoperative to 1 year after THA. The differences in nutrient intakes between the 2 groups (normal-strength group and muscle weakness group) were examined by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in energy intake. Daily protein intake was related to knee extension strength gain above the cutoff point 1 year after THA. Conclusions and Implications: The present study suggested that to prevent prolonged muscle weakness after THA, a sufficient protein intake as well as an exercise intervention may be needed even half a year or after.