Hip Replacement Patients NOT Moving More?

Have surgery, move more? Maybe not, says new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). The scientists, who used existing research papers measuring pre- and post-operative physical activity, found that patients’ physical activity did not increase following hip replacement surgery.

Lead researcher Tom Withers, from UEA’s School of Health Sciences, said in the October 23, 2016 news release, “The most common reason for a hip replacement is to reduce pain on movement. We expected that the amount of physical activity post-surgery would therefore increase. What we found surprised us.”

“Our study looked at data from about 1, 030 patients who had received hip replacements. Indicators for physical activity after surgery included whether patients were walking longer distances, walking more quickly, cycling and climbing stairs. We found that there was no clear evidence of a change in physical activity following surgery. The benefits of regular physical activity following a hip replacement are well known, so this research is important for healthcare professionals because it suggests that patients need to be encouraged to be more physically active.”

Toby Smith, Ph.D., lecturer in physiotherapy in UEA’s School of Health Sciences, said: “The lack of significant difference in physical activity after patients undergo such a common procedure suggests there is a need for further research, including further investigation into how other personal characteristics or pre-existing conditions might also influence the results.”

Tom Withers told OTW, “No previous systematic reviews have looked exclusively at hip replacements. There are a number of commentaries that suggest both physical activity improves and stays the same following surgery. Therefore we wanted to synthesise the research within the field to add objective evidence to the debate.”

“I think this research brings into focus the importance of ensuring that the appropriate post-surgery rehabilitation is offered to patients to ensure that their post-surgery physical activity goals can be achieved.”