Tai Chi improves aerobic capacity in patients with hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES: 

To investigate the effect of a 12-week balance training program, combined TCST, on balance activity and aerobic capacity in patients with hip osteoarthritis.

METHODS: 

Single-blind randomized grouping cohort study was conducted at our hospital from December 2008 to December 2011. A total of 81 patients aged from 60 to 69 years old diagnosed with end-stage hip osteoarthritis were recruited. They were randomly divided into two groups: training group (TG) and control group (CG). Participants in TG should do the TCST program under family’s supervision for 12 weeks. Parameters including WOMAC score, 6min walk test, stand up, walk test, situation of the hip mobility were compared between TG and CG by one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS: 

There was no significant difference of baseline characteristics between these two groups (P>0.05). Participants in TG could complete 87.1% of movements of TCST. After training, the distance of 6-min walk was obviously increased from 409.59±51.31m to 478.10±52.46m (P<0.01), and the time for up and go was significantly shorten from 18.53±3.90s to 14.61±2.60s (P<0.01), and self-reported functional status scores evaluated by WOMAC was improved from 40.97±5.65 to 36.28±5.11 (P<0.01). However, there were no significant changes in pain WOMAC and side hip motion.

CONCLUSION: 

The 12-week TCST program have good adherence, and can effectively improve balance and aerobic capacity status in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis, while this training can not effectively alleviate the pain and improve hip motion of patients. Hence, further THA is necessary to solve the problems.

PRACTICE: 

Patients with osteoarthritis can do this training program under family’s supervision.

IMPLICATIONS: 

Providing a good advice on rehabilitation for patients preparing to do THA. Click to learn how Chinese medicine treats Osteonecrosis.