A randomized controlled trial of weight-bearing versus non-weight-bearing exercise for improving physical ability after usual care for hip fracture.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing home exercise programs and a control program on physical ability (strength, balance, gait, functional performance) in older people who have had a hip fracture.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial with 4-month follow-up.


METHODS
Australian community-dwellers (82%) and residents of aged care facilities who had completed usual care after a fall-related hip fracture.


METHODS
One hundred twenty older people entered the trial, 40 per group (average age +/- standard deviation, 79+/-9y) and 90% completed the 4-month retest.


METHODS
Home exercise prescribed by a physical therapist.


METHODS
Strength, balance, gait, and functional performance.


RESULTS
At the 4-month retest, there were differences between the groups in the extent of improvement since the initial assessment for balance (F(10,196)=2.82, P<.001) and functional performance (F(6,200)=3.57, P<.001), but not for strength (F(12,190)=1.09, P=.37) or gait (F(8,200)=.39, P=.92). The weight-bearing exercise group showed the greatest improvements in measures of balance and functional performance (between-group differences of 30%-40% of initial values).


CONCLUSIONS
A weight-bearing home exercise program can improve balance and functional ability to a greater extent than a non-weight-bearing program or no intervention among older people who have completed usual care after a fall-related hip fracture.
Sherrington
Catherine
C
Prince Wales Medical Research Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. c.sherrington@unsw.edu.au
Lord
Stephen R
SR
Herbert
Robert D
RD
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*