Altering asymmetric limb loading after hip arthroplasty using real-time dynamic feedback when walking.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a walking program incorporating real-time biofeedback to reduce asymmetric limb loading after total hip arthroplasty (THA).


METHODS
Within-subject clinical intervention.


METHODS
Biomechanics laboratory.


METHODS
Volunteers were screened for confounding disorders that could affect their gait other than unilateral THA. Participants included 28 subjects who were evaluated a minimum of 2 months after surgery and ambulatory without assistive devices.


METHODS
THA subjects were assigned to a feedback, no-feedback, or control group. The feedback group walked on a treadmill 15 minutes, 3 times a week for 8 weeks while matching step-to-step reaction forces. Subjects walking without feedback had equal time. The control group did not train.


METHODS
Symmetry indices for peak limb-loading force, rate of rise of loading force, and impulse calculated from vertical foot-ground forces. Symmetry index changes were evaluated using 2-factor, repeated-measures analyses of variance with a Tukey post hoc test.


RESULTS
Loading rate and impulse equalization improved for the feedback group (P<.01). Loading rate equalization improved for the no-feedback group (P=.01). There were no changes for the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study suggests that a treadmill walking program may help persons with a THA achieve a more symmetric gait. Additional investigation of the potential benefits of a rehabilitation program incorporating treadmill walking with and without biofeedback is recommended.
White
Scott C
SC
Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214-3079, USA. swhite@acsu.buffalo.edu
Lifeso
Robert M
RM
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology