Balance and Leg Function After Hip Replacement

Primary outcomes

1. Change from baseline Pain at 18 days

   Time frame: Baseline and after 18 days

   was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS). Participants were asked to report "current" pain intensity. A higher score indicates greater pain intensity: no pain (0-4 mm), mild pain (5-44 mm), moderate pain (45-74 mm), and severe pain (75- 100 mm).

2. Change from baseline Hip range of motions at 18 days

   Time frame: Baseline and after 18 days

   Using goniometer the range of hip motions were evaluated: flexion, extension, abduction. Each motion was measured three times and averaged value was used.

3. Change from baseline Hip Muscle Strength at 18 days

   Time frame: Baseline and after 18 days

   The muscle strength of hip flexion, extension, and abduction was evaluated using manual muscle testing technique (Oxford 5 point scale).

4. Change from baseline Leg Function at 18 days

   Time frame: Baseline and after 18 days

   To evaluate the function of leg after hip replacement surgery the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was used. MHHS is reliable and valid tool to evaluate leg function after hip replacement and to monitor the leg function during recovery. The questionnaire was completed by a physiotherapist together with the patient. This questionnaire consists of 8 questions / topics, where each answer has a score:

   • Pain description (maximum 44 points);
   • Limping (max 11 points);
   • Assistive devices (max 11 points);
   • Walking distance (max 11 points);
   • Stair climbing (max 4 points);
   • Putting on shoes/socks (max 4 points);
   • Sitting (max 5 points);
   • Using public transport (1 point). The higher the score, the better the leg function. The maximum number of points is 91.

5. Change from baseline Dynamic Balance at 18 days

   Time frame: Baseline and after 18 days

   Dynamic Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). This scale is used to assess the subjects' imbalance in 14 different tasks, where each task is scored on a scale from 0 (does not perform at all) to 4 (performs excellent). The higher the score, the better the balance, with a maximum score of 56.

6. Change from baseline Static Balance at 18 days

   Time frame: Baseline and after 18 days

   Static Balance was assessed using the "Abili balance analyzer system". Abili balance analyzer is a platform that can be adapted for both patient testing and training. The Abili analyzer system consists of two parts: the Abili analyzer platform and the Balance trainer app. The Abili analyzer platform plate moves in a horizontal plane, making it safe to use for patients of all capacities. Thus, using this balance platform, three levels of difficulty can be selected: light, medium and advanced, as well as the handles are adjustable according to the patient's height. After three tests, the gadget calculates a total stability index. The lower the number, the better the stability and the lower the fluctuation.