A comparative study of the effects of Pilates and conventional rehabilitation treatment after total hip arthroplasty

Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of Pilates and conventional training after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods Fifty-eight patients who had undergone minimally invasive total hip replacement surgery were divided into an observation group (n=29) and a control group (n=29) using a random number table. The observation group was given Pilates rehabilitation training, including a series of exercises especially designed for this condition, for 6 months after the operation. The control group was provided with conventional postoperative rehabilitation training including passive range of motion exercise, balance training, etc., lasting for 1 to 2 months in hospital, followed by self-training after discharge. At 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the operation hip joint function was evaluated in both groups using the Harris hip score and the modified Barthel index (MBI). The time for first out-of-bed activity after the operation, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications of the two groups were also recorded. Results At 1 month after the operation, the average Harris hip score and MBI score of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group [(59.78±6.22) vs (51.26±3.42) and (52.56±16.67) vs (45.63±15.24), respectively]. Two and 4 months later, in the observation group the average Harris hip score had improved significantly to (82.12±3.32) and further to (91.42±5.91), while the MBI score increased significantly to (58.39±13.32) and (81.17±13.87). The same tendency was observed in the control group and at those two time points no significant difference was observed between the observation group and the control group. The patients in the observation group had their first out-of-bed ambulation significantly earlier, a significantly shorter average hospital stay and significantly fewer postoperative complications. Conclusion Pilates training after minimally invasive THA can promote earlier and quicker functional recovery than conventional rehabilitation training. Key words: Hip replacement; Pilates; Hip joint function; Ability in the activities of daily life