Sex-specific associations found for improvement during rehabilitation for total hip arthroplasty

WASHINGTON — Researchers from the University of Illinois found sex-specific associations for improvements in self-reported pain and function, and improvements in gait mechanics and strength during rehabilitation from total hip arthroplasty for patients with osteoarthritis, according to an abstract presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting.

“Looking back at some of our old work, and specifically looking for sex differences, has shown us that we have been masking potentially some important findings by lumping men and women together,” Kharma C. Foucher, PhD, assistant professor of kinesiology and nutrition at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said during her presentation.

Foucher and colleagues performed a study of 124 patients and assessed them before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Overall, 64 patients were female and the mean age was 61 years. Researchers analyzed each patient’s dynamic sagittal plane hip range of motion and peak 3-D hip external moments at a normal-speed walk. They assessed hip abductor strength with manual muscle tests, and examined function and pain with Harris Hip scores (HHS). They identified the relationship between change in HHS and change in muscle strength and then change in HHS and change in gait variables with adjustment for speed. This analysis was done separately for men and women.

For men, researchers found an association between improved pain and increased range of motion and decreased peak adduction moment, but no association between improved function and gait and strength. For women, improved function was associated with increased hip range of motion, peak adduction, external rotation moments and abductor strength; and improved pain was associated with increased external rotation moment.

These results suggest women could benefit from interventions to improvement dynamic sagittal plane range of motion and frontal and transverse plane hip mechanics, as well as hip abductor strength.

“Ultimately, this research could lead to more rehabilitation opportunities, particularly for women,” Foucher said. “Sex-specific rehab is our ultimate vision.” – by Will Offit

Reference:

Foucher KC, et al. Abstract #986. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting; Nov. 11-16, 2016; Washington.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.