Associations between changes in leg extensor muscle power and physical function after supervised exercise in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Secondary analysis from the hip booster trial

Review written by Dr Joshua Heerey info

Key Points

  1. Patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) have substantial deficits in leg extension power compared to those without the condition.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is common, characterized by joint degeneration that results in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility (1). While pain is the main symptom of hip OA, the condition affects the function of major muscle groups around the joint, particularly the hip and knee extensors, which are crucial for activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing up from a seated position (2). These impairments in muscle function often lead to diminished physical capacity, increased disability, and a reduced quality of life. As muscle power (the ability to generate force rapidly) is an important determinant of functional performance, interventions that improve muscle power may offer meaningful benefits for patients with hip OA.

In this secondary analysis of the Hip Booster Trial (a 12 week multicentre randomized controlled trial that compared the effectiveness of progressive resistance training (PRT) or neuromuscular exercise (NEMEX) on functional performance, pain and quality of life in patients with hip OA), the researchers specifically aimed to explore whether changes in leg extensor muscle power (LEP) were associated with improvements in physical function measures or patient-reported outcome measures.

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is common, characterized by joint degeneration that results in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
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Given that physical function is a critical determinant of quality of life, exercises designed to increase leg extension muscle power could be a key component of rehabilitation programs for this population.

METHODS

Participants in the Hip Booster Trial were randomized to either PRT or NEMEX. The exercise interventions were completed in hospitals or physiotherapy clinics. All exercise sessions were completed as group sessions and were supervised by one physiotherapist. Both exercise groups

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