Auswirkungen von hüftsport auf gangbild, kraftverhalten und lebensqualität von koxarthrotikern

Osteoarthritis of the hip is characterised by failure of muscle function, deterioration of gait behaviour and reduction of daily activities. One type of secondary prevention is physical activity (sports) for hip patients. We investigated the effect of this type of training in respect of gait behaviour, strength, and quality of life. A group of 20 subjects trained for 60 minutes, once a week for a period of 6 months under supervision of a physical therapist. A control group of 19 subjects underwent no therapy. The results of the gait analysis were compared to a group of 24 healthy subjects. The pain characteristics and activities of daily living were assessed using the history and a questionnaire. Moreover, gait and strength behaviour were measured before and after training. The training group showed a statistically significant improvement of ADL and decrease of complaints. In the training group the Harris Hip score increased from 74 to 80, whereas it decreased from 79 to 76 in the control group. The gait analysis showed no difference between and no change in either hip group. A 10% improvement of the isometric abduction strength was seen only at the more strongly affected side of the training group. At the same time there were no changes either in abduction strength in the control group or in isometric extension strength in both groups. However, a most remarkable improvement of strength endurance was seen in the training group. An analysis of abduction and extension showed an increase by 30% on the more strongly affected and by 20% on the less affected side. In contrast, the control group showed an increase of only 15% in abduction on the more severely affected side. Hip sports contribute to an improved quality of life in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip and seem to be a cost-effective alternative and additive to individual physical therapy.