title: Changes in gait symmetry, gait velocity and self-reported function following total hip replacement.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the magnitude of change at different time points in measures of gait symmetry, gait velocity and self-reported function following total hip replacement.
  
  
  METHODS
  Longitudinal with test occasions pre-surgery and 3, 6 and 12 months post-surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-four patients with hip osteoarthritis (mean age 63 years, standard deviation 11 years).
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects walked back and forth along a 7-m walkway at slow, preferred and fast speed. Anteroposterior, vertical and mediolateral trunk symmetry was assessed by accelerometry, while single support symmetry, step-length symmetry and gait velocity was simultaneously assessed by an electronic walkway. Self-reported function was assessed by Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Gait symmetry data were normalized for gait velocity. Changes between test occasions were reported as effect size.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All measures showed effect sizes > 0.30 from pre-operative to 12-months postoperative assessments, and improvements were significant (p < 0.05) in all measures, except mediolateral symmetry. In general, gait symmetry and gait velocity improved most 6 and 12 months postoperatively, while self-reported function improved most 3 months postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early improvements were seen in self-reported function, suggesting immediate relief from stiffness and pain, while gait symmetry and velocity improved later postoperatively, suggesting that gait quality and performance require prolonged rehabilitation with postoperative guidance, muscular strengthening and motor relearning.
authors.affiliation: Section of Physiotherapy Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. caroline.hodt@isf.uib.no
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hodt-Billington
authors.forename: Jorunn L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Helbostad
authors.forename: Willemijn
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Vervaat
authors.forename: Turid
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rognsvåg
authors.forename: Rolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moe-Nilssen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D057566:Self Report; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology