The effect of early postoperative physical activity on tissue oxygen and wound healing.
BACKGROUND
Supplemented postoperative activity was compared to standard activity for effects on wound healing, subcutaneous tissue perfusion, and oxygen (PscO2) following hip replacement (THR).


METHODS
58 patients were randomized to standard post-THR activity (N = 27) or supplemental activity (N = 31) (arm and leg exercises, walking protocol). PscO2was measured with a microelectrode/tonometer system and perfusion determined by oxygen response. Healing was evaluated by (1) tissue cellularity, (2) mRNA for pro collagen, (3) hydroxyproline, and (4) DNA content obtained from a subcutaneous implant removed on the 7th postoperative day.


RESULTS
Activity significantly increased DNA levels, but did not increase PscO2, perfusion, cellularity, or collagen measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Healing measures were not improved with increased activity levels. However, activity did not reduce PscO2or wound healing. The majority of patients adhered to additional activity and tolerated the protocol well. Increased activity was associated with earlier discharge, suggesting other recovery-related benefits.
Whitney
JoAnne D
JD
University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle 98195, USA. joiewhit@u.washington.edu
Parkman
Sharon
S
D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004434:Early Ambulation; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014945:Wound Healing