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A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial for Aerobic and Strengthening Exercises on Physical Function and Pain for Hip Osteoarthritis
Author(s) -
Thompson Austin R.,
Christopherson Zach,
Marshall Lynn M.,
Carlson Hans L.,
Carlson Nels L.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pmandr
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.617
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1934-1563
pISSN - 1934-1482
DOI - 10.1002/pmrj.12262
Subject(s) - medicine , womac , physical therapy , osteoarthritis , randomized controlled trial , minimal clinically important difference , visual analogue scale , aerobic exercise , rehabilitation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology
Background Hip osteoarthritis (OA) limits lower extremity physical function. Exercise therapy may improve physical function and reduce pain in patients with hip OA. Objective To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to measure the effect of a structured hip‐specific resistance and aerobic exercise program on physical function and self‐reported pain in adults with hip OA. Design Pilot RCT. Setting Academic medical center. Participants Thirty one adults with radiographic hip OA. Interventions Participants were randomly allocated in a 2:1 ratio to a 3‐month structured exercise intervention (n = 21) or a 3‐month waitlist control (n = 10). Main Outcome Measures The 6‐minute walk test was the primary outcome measure. Self‐reported physical function was assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function subscale and pain visual analog scale (VAS). Measures of feasibility were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results From baseline to 3 months, the median change from baseline in distance covered during the 6‐minute walk test in the intervention group (49 m) was double that of the control group (22 m), but the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .13). Likewise, the WOMAC physical function subscale score median changes in the intervention group (5 points) were double that of the controls (2 points), although the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .06). Median change in pain scores was slightly reduced in each group but not significantly different between groups ( P = .53). Conclusion Although no statistically significant between‐group differences were found in this pilot RCT, improvements were seen in measures of physical function compared to controls. A larger RCT of this structured exercise program may be warranted.