How balance task-specific training contributes to improving physical function in older subjects undergoing rehabilitation following hip fracture: a randomized controlled trial

Comparison of Bone-setting Robots and Conventional Reduction in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

Intertrochanteric fracture of the femur is a common fracture in older people. Due to the poor systemic condition and prognosis of elderly patients, it is prone to more complications. We introduce the bone-setting concept in the design of the robots, which are used for intertrochanteric fracture of the femur reduction. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of bone-setting robots and conventional reduction in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur (IFF).

METHODS

From June 2021 to January 2023, 60 patients with IFF who were treated surgically were assigned to bone-setting robots group and conventional reduction methods group in this retrospective study. The reduction time, operation time, total time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, fluoroscopy time, and the follow-up time were reviewed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Harris scores were used for functional assessment. For continuous variables, independent t-tests were applied; for categorical data, the chi-square test was applied. The significance level as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Among the 60 patients with IFF, 31 were assigned to the bone-setting robots group, and 29 were assigned to the conventional reduction methods group. Both groups with a similar baseline in the number, gender, age, and classification (p > 0.05). The reduction time, operation time, total time, intraoperative blood loss, and fluoroscopy time were less than those in the bone-setting robots reduction group compared to the conventional reduction group. In the bone-setting robots reduction group, the preoperative VAS score was 6.2 ± 1.3, the Harris score was 35.3 ± 3.1, 1 week after surgery VAS score was 3.3 ± 1.2, the Harris score was 57.3 ± 3.7, and at the last follow-up VAS score was 2.4 ± 0.8, and the Harris score was 88.7 ± 3.4. While in the conventional reduction group, the preoperative VAS score was 6.3 ± 1.3, the Harris score was 35.9 ± 2.9, 1 week after surgery VAS score was 4.8 ± 1.4, the Harris score was 46.8 ± 2.8, and at the last follow-up VAS score was 2.6 ± 0.8, and the Harris score was 87.3 ± 3.3. There were no significant differences between the two groups at the preoperative and 6-month postoperative follow-ups in VAS score and Harris score (p > 0.05, p > 0.05, respectively). But the difference was statistically significant at the one-week postoperative follow-up in VAS and Harris scores (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The bone-setting robots can better protect the "fracture environment" and have the advantages of being precise, minimally invasive, simple, short time, low radiation, and rapid fracture recovery. The clinical effect of closed repair of IFF is ideal.

Functional ability before and after rehabilitation in elderly patients with shortening and/or rotational deformity of the lower limb after hip fracture

BACKGROUND

Shortening and rotational deformity of the lower limb (SRD) is a major complication of hip fracture surgery. It causes not only hip joint dysfunction but also functional impairments due to abnormal gait parameters, decreased gait velocity, and poor balance. Despite a number of previous studies, the effect of SRD on the postsurgical recovery of these patients is still not clear.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the functional abilities and balance before and after rehabilitation for people with and without SRD after hip fracture surgery and to assess whether SRD affects rehabilitation.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Inpatients of a rehabilitation unit.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 102 people with hip fracture (62 without SRD and 40 with SRD at the time of admission to the unit).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor score, administered before and after rehabilitation.

INTERVENTIONS

Motor rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Before rehabilitation, patients with SRD had lower motor-FIM (p = .002) and BBS (p = .001) scores than those without SRD. After rehabilitation, both groups showed similar improvements in motor-FIM, BBS, range of motion, muscle strength, and pain scores (p < .001, for all), but patients with SRD still had lower motor-FIM and BBS scores (p = .014 and .003, respectively) and lower effectiveness in motor-FIM and BBS (p = .039 and p = .034, respectively) than those without SRD.

CONCLUSIONS

SRD is associated with lower levels of balance and functional abilities before and after rehabilitation and it adversely affects rehabilitation for patients with hip fractures.

Do patients undergoing physical therapy in a rehabilitation center have a high prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction and psychological disorders? A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and its relationship with anxiety in a population undergoing physical therapy treatment in Rehabilitation Centers seems to have been little investigated in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

1) to investigate the prevalence of PFD, anxiety, depression; 2) to assess quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing physical therapy in a Rehabilitation Center, 3) to compare the results by sex; and 4) to assess the relationship between PFD and anxiety, depression, and QoL.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included participants receiving physical therapy care in a Rehabilitation Center. Validated questionnaires were used to assess PFD, QoL, depression, and anxiety. The Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and a binary logistic regression model were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

253 participants (56.9% female) were included, 45% of them reported at least one PFD symptom. Females had higher prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) (28% vs 14%); constipation (25% vs 10%); sexual dysfunction (75% vs 9%); anxiety (47% vs 35%); and depression (34% vs 17%) than males. A weak correlation was found between anxiety and depression with UI and sexual dysfunction for females. For all participants, poor QoL was found in physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain and emotional role. Being elderly (OR: 2.58 [1.24, 5.37]), partnered (OR: 1.82 [1.04, 3.17]), female (OR: 3.38 [1.91, 5.99]), and anxious (OR: 2.03 [1.14, 3.62]) were risk factors for reporting PFD.

CONCLUSION

This study found a high prevalence of PFD symptoms in patients attending a Rehabilitation Center. All symptoms except fecal incontinence were more prevalent in females than in males. There was a weak correlation between UI with QoL and psychological disorders among females.

Post-surgery interventions for hip fracture: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Interventions provided after hip fracture surgery have been shown to reduce mortality and improve functional outcomes. While some systematic studies have evaluated the efficacy of post-surgery interventions, there lacks a systematically rigorous examination of all the post-surgery interventions which allows healthcare providers to easily identify post-operative interventions most pertinent to patient's recovery.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to provide an overview of the available evidence on post-surgery interventions provided in the acute, subacute and community settings to improve outcomes for patients with hip fractures.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). We included articles that were (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), (2) involved post-surgery interventions that were conducted in the acute, subacute or community settings and (3) conducted among older patients above 65 years old with any type of non-pathological hip fracture that was surgically treated, and who were able to walk without assistance prior to the fracture. We excluded (1) non-English language articles, (2) abstract-only publications, (3) articles with only surgical interventions, (4) articles with interventions that commenced pre-surgery or immediately upon completion of surgery or blood transfusion, (5) animal studies. Due to the large number of RCTs identified, we only included "good quality" RCTs with Jadad score ≥ 3 for data extraction and synthesis.

RESULTS

Our literature search has identified 109 good quality RCTs on post-surgery interventions for patients with fragility hip fractures. Among the 109 RCTs, 63% of the identified RCTs (n = 69) were related to rehabilitation or medication/nutrition supplementation, with the remaining RCTs focusing on osteoporosis management, optimization of clinical management, prevention of venous thromboembolism, fall prevention, multidisciplinary approaches, discharge support, management of post-operative anemia as well as group learning and motivational interviewing. For the interventions conducted in inpatient and outpatient settings investigating medication/nutrition supplementation, all reported improvement in outcomes (ranging from reduced postoperative complications, reduced length of hospital stay, improved functional recovery, reduced mortality rate, improved bone mineral density and reduced falls), except for a study investigating anabolic steroids. RCTs involving post-discharge osteoporosis care management generally reported improved osteoporosis management except for a RCT investigating multidisciplinary post-fracture clinic led by geriatrician with physiotherapist and occupational therapist. The trials investigating group learning and motivational interviewing also reported positive outcome respectively. The other interventions yielded mixed results. The interventions in this review had minor or no side effects reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified RCTs regarding post-surgery interventions were heterogeneous in terms of type of interventions, settings and outcome measures. Combining interventions across inpatient and outpatient settings may be able to achieve better outcomes such as improved physical function recovery and improved nutritional status recovery. For example, nutritional supplementation could be made available for patients who have undergone hip fracture surgery in the inpatient settings, followed by post-discharge outpatient osteoporosis care management. The findings from this review can aid in clinical practice by allowing formulation of thematic program with combination of interventions as part of bundled care to improve outcome for patients who have undergone hip fracture surgery.

Risk of shortening in operatively treated proximal femur fractures with cephalomedullary nails with dynamically versus statistically locked helical blades

INTRODUCTION

Cephalomedullary nails (CMN) have proven to be effective for the fixation of unstable pertrochanteric hip fractures, but limited data exists regarding the degree of shortening that occurs with nailing systems that offer "dynamically" versus "statistically" locked helical blades. This study aimed to determine the incidence, timing, and amount of postoperative fracture shortening in patients with pertrochanteric hip fractures treated with "dynamically" versus "statistically" locked helical blades.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients requiring operative fixation of pertrochanteric fractures. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 55 or older, low energy mechanism of injury, primary surgical open reduction and internal fixation of the injury, surgery performed by a fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologist, and radiographic follow up until healing or failure (minimum of 3 months). Quantification of fracture shortening was determined using the lateral screw protuberance method. Fracture shortening measurements were calculated from immediate post-operative films and subsequent radiographs at each follow-up visit.

RESULTS

222 patients met inclusion criteria (123 using Depuy Synthes Trochanteric Fixation Nail proximal femoral nailing system (TFN) with static locking; 65 TFN with dynamic locking; 23 using Depuy Synthes Trochanteric Fixation Nail-Advanced proximal nailing system (TFNA) with static locking; and 11 TFNA with dynamic locking). When comparing the final screw protuberance, the TFN dynamic (10.31 mm), TFNA static (9.52 mm), and TFNA dynamic (7.02 mm) groups were found to be significantly less compared to the TFN static cohort (11.67 mm; p < 0.001). The distribution of fracture shortening was found to be significant (p < 0.01). Interval measurements of fracture shortening by repeated measures of ANOVA within groups showed statistically significant increases in screw protuberance for the TFN static (p < 0.001), TFN dynamic (p < 0.001), and TFNA static (p < 0.01) cohorts within the first 60 days postoperatively. The TFNA with dynamic locking group was found to have statistically significant increases until the first 100 days post-operatively (p < 0.02).

DISCUSSION

The incidence of fracture shortening remains high even with the use of cephalomedullary nails, regardless of dynamization status. Current pertrochanteric fixation constructs continue to favor fracture healing at the direct expense of fracture shortening.

Frequently Used Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of General Physical Function Were Highly Correlated With a Multitask Performance Outcome Test Battery

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the relationship between frequently used patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and a multitask performance outcome (PerfO) measure of general physical function (PF) and to examine the association of these measures with depressive mood, pain, and age.

METHODS

Frequently used PRO measures of general PF (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] PF item bank, PROMIS PF Short Form 20a, Short Form 36 Physical Function Scale) and a PerfO test battery, namely, the Physical Performance Test (PPT), were administered to 78 adult patients from 3 inpatient clinics (cardiology and angiology, rheumatology and clinical immunology, and psychosomatic medicine) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Pearson correlations were used to investigate the associations between PRO measures and the PPT. To explore the predictive value of age, depressive symptoms, and pain intensity, we conducted multiple linear regression analysis for each PF measure.

RESULTS

We found strong linear relationships between PRO measures and PPT sum scores. Correlations between PPT sum scores and PROMIS PF T-scores were r &gt; 0.75. For all PRO and PerfO measures, age was a predictor of general PF whereas depressive mood was not found to be a relevant predictor. Moreover, pain intensity was found to be a significant predictor of PRO measures but not for PPT sum scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that frequently used PRO measures and a multitask PerfO measure of general PF can be used to measure a common PF construct. Nevertheless, PF scores based on PRO measures should ideally be controlled for self-rated pain intensity.

Interventions for improving mobility after hip fracture surgery in adults

BACKGROUND

Improving mobility outcomes after hip fracture is key to recovery. Possible strategies include gait training, exercise and muscle stimulation. This is an update of a Cochrane Review last published in 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects (benefits and harms) of interventions aimed at improving mobility and physical functioning after hip fracture surgery in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, trial registers and reference lists, to March 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised trials assessing mobility strategies after hip fracture surgery. Eligible strategies aimed to improve mobility and included care programmes, exercise (gait, balance and functional training, resistance/strength training, endurance, flexibility, three-dimensional (3D) exercise and general physical activity) or muscle stimulation. Intervention was compared with usual care (in-hospital) or with usual care, no intervention, sham exercise or social visit (post-hospital).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Members of the review author team independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We used the assessment time point closest to four months for in-hospital studies, and the time point closest to the end of the intervention for post-hospital studies. Critical outcomes were mobility, walking speed, functioning, health-related quality of life, mortality, adverse effects and return to living at pre-fracture residence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 40 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 4059 participants from 17 countries. On average, participants were 80 years old and 80% were women. The median number of study participants was 81 and all trials had unclear or high risk of bias for one or more domains. Most trials excluded people with cognitive impairment (70%), immobility and/or medical conditions affecting mobility (72%). In-hospital setting, mobility strategy versus control Eighteen trials (1433 participants) compared mobility strategies with control (usual care) in hospitals. Overall, such strategies may lead to a moderate, clinically-meaningful increase in mobility (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10 to 0.96; 7 studies, 507 participants; low-certainty evidence) and a small, clinically meaningful improvement in walking speed (CI crosses zero so does not rule out a lack of effect (SMD 0.16, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.37; 6 studies, 360 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Mobility strategies may make little or no difference to short-term (risk ratio (RR) 1.06, 95% CI 0.48 to 2.30; 6 studies, 489 participants; low-certainty evidence) or long-term mortality (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.48 to 3.12; 2 studies, 133 participants; low-certainty evidence), adverse events measured by hospital re-admission (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.11; 4 studies, 322 participants; low-certainty evidence), or return to pre-fracture residence (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.56; 2 studies, 240 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether mobility strategies improve functioning or health-related quality of life as the certainty of evidence was very low. Gait, balance and functional training probably causes a moderate improvement in mobility (SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.06; 6 studies, 463 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was little or no difference in effects on mobility for resistance training. No studies of other types of exercise or electrical stimulation reported mobility outcomes. Post-hospital setting, mobility strategy versus control Twenty-two trials (2626 participants) compared mobility strategies with control (usual care, no intervention, sham exercise or social visit) in the post-hospital setting. Mobility strategies lead to a small, clinically meaningful increase in mobility (SMD 0.32, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.54; 7 studies, 761 participants; high-certainty evidence) and a small, clinically meaningful improvement in walking speed compared to control (SMD 0.16, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.29; 14 studies, 1067 participants; high-certainty evidence). Mobility strategies lead to a small, non-clinically meaningful increase in functioning (SMD 0.23, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.36; 9 studies, 936 participants; high-certainty evidence), and probably lead to a slight increase in quality of life that may not be clinically meaningful (SMD 0.14, 95% CI -0.00 to 0.29; 10 studies, 785 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Mobility strategies probably make little or no difference to short-term mortality (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.49 to 2.06; 8 studies, 737 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Mobility strategies may make little or no difference to long-term mortality (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.37; 4 studies, 588 participants; low-certainty evidence) or adverse events measured by hospital re-admission (95% CI includes a large reduction and large increase, RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.42; 2 studies, 206 participants; low-certainty evidence). Training involving gait, balance and functional exercise leads to a small, clinically meaningful increase in mobility (SMD 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.36; 5 studies, 621 participants; high-certainty evidence), while training classified as being primarily resistance or strength exercise may lead to a clinically meaningful increase in mobility measured using distance walked in six minutes (mean difference (MD) 55.65, 95% CI 28.58 to 82.72; 3 studies, 198 participants; low-certainty evidence). Training involving multiple intervention components probably leads to a substantial, clinically meaningful increase in mobility (SMD 0.94, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.34; 2 studies, 104 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We are uncertain of the effect of aerobic training on mobility (very low-certainty evidence). No studies of other types of exercise or electrical stimulation reported mobility outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Interventions targeting improvement in mobility after hip fracture may cause clinically meaningful improvement in mobility and walking speed in hospital and post-hospital settings, compared with conventional care. Interventions that include training of gait, balance and functional tasks are particularly effective. There was little or no between-group difference in the number of adverse events reported. Future trials should include long-term follow-up and economic outcomes, determine the relative impact of different types of exercise and establish effectiveness in emerging economies.

Effects of transitional care based on the social support theory for older patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A quasi-experimental trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effects of transitional care (TC) programs on the health outcomes of discharged older patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).

METHODS

A total of 160 older patients were recruited from two campuses of a public teaching hospital in China. Patients were grouped according to the campus to which they were admitted. The TC programs commenced one day before discharge and lasted 6 months after discharge. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyse the effects of the TC programs.

RESULTS

The TC programs improved the discharge of older patients with OVCF in their activities of daily living (ADLs), pain levels and social support, and decreased fracture recurrence rates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of concurrent clinical improvements and health outcomes in discharged older patients with OVCFs from the effects of TC programs based on social support theory.

Community Reintegration After Rehabilitation for Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of rehabilitation on the physical, social, and psychological dimensions of community reintegration after hip fracture.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases Embase, EMCare, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and SPORTDiscus were searched from the earliest date available to second June 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Searching identified 1844 potentially relevant articles. Twenty randomized controlled trials evaluating physical retraining, cognitive retraining, and model of care interventions on physical, social and psychological aspects of community reintegration for 3075 adults after hip fracture were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted using predetermined templates for participant characteristics, intervention type and setting, and outcomes related to community reintegration. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach was applied to each meta-analysis.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Post intervention data were pooled to calculate risk ratios (RRs), mean differences, standardized mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using inverse variance methods and a random-effects model. Compared with usual care or no rehabilitation, there was moderate-quality evidence to suggest that physical retraining interventions improved outdoor mobility (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.09-1.91; I2=0%) and moderate-quality evidence to suggest that physical retraining improved Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale scores (physical and social reintegration) by a mean 3.5 units (95% CI, 0.99-6.01; I2=0%). Meta-analyses showed no significant effect for cognitive retraining and model of care interventions on any dimension of community reintegration.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary evidence suggests that physical rehabilitation after hip fracture improves physical and social aspects of community reintegration. The effect of psychological and home-based interventions on community reintegration is currently unclear. Further research is needed to determine the effect of rehabilitation on community reintegration, using interventions and measures that encompass all dimensions of community reintegration.

Domains of Balance Training Delivered in Rehabilitation Programs Following Hip Fracture Surgery in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the domains and characteristics of balance training (BT) interventions delivered in rehabilitation programs following hip fracture to identify potential treatment gaps.

METHODS

Manual and electronic searches (Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and ProQuest) were conducted. We selected randomized controlled trials with older adults following hip fracture surgery that included either specific BT or gait, mobility, or transfer training. Two independent reviewers extracted data and rated the methodological quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. A third reviewer provided consensus. Extracted BT data included balance domain, progression, frequency, duration, intensity, level of supervision, setting, and rehabilitation phase.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

We included 17 trials from 19 studies; 11 studies were rated as moderate to high methodological quality, but only 8 were considered to have high-quality BT components. Half of the interventions included only one balance domain, with stability during movement being the most commonly included domain. The primary balance progression utilized was reducing hand support. Dual task, anticipatory postural adjustment, reactive strategies, and perceptual training domains were rarely included. Balance training duration and intensity were poorly described. Although most programs were home-based with minimal levels of supervision, a few extended beyond postacute phase of rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Further consideration should be given to include more challenging BT domains with planned progressions to maximize patient recovery through hip fracture rehabilitation programs.

How can the orthopedic surgeon ensure optimal vitamin D status in patients operated for an osteoporotic fracture?

In this narrative review, the role of vitamin D deficiency in the pathophysiology, healing of fragility fractures, and rehabilitation is discussed. Vitamin D status can be assessed by measuring serum 25(OH)-vitamin D level with standardized assays. There is a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l (i.e., 20 ng/mL)) or deficiency (25(OH)D < 25 nmol/l (i.e., 10 ng/mL)) in patients with fragility fractures and especially in those with a hip fracture. The evidence on the effects of vitamin D deficiency and/or vitamin D supplementation on fracture healing and material osseointegration is still limited. However, it appears that vitamin D have a rather positive influence on these processes. The fracture liaison service (FLS) model can help to inform orthopedic surgeons, all caregivers, and fractured patients about the importance of optimal vitamin D status in the management of patients with fragility fractures. Therefore, vitamin D status should be included in Capture the Fracture® program as an outcome of FLS in addition to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and specific antiosteoporosis medication. Vitamin D plays a significant role in the pathophysiology and healing of fragility fractures and in rehabilitation after fracture. Correction of vitamin D deficiency should be one of the main outcomes in fracture liaison services.

Exercise therapy is effective at improving short- and long-term mobility, ADL and balance in older patients following hip fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the short- and long-term effect of exercise therapy on physical function, independence and wellbeing in older patients following hip fracture, and secondly, whether the effect was modified by trial level characteristics such as intervention modality, duration and initiation timepoint.

METHODS

Medline, CENTRAL, Embase, CINAHL and PEDro was searched up-to November 2020. Eligibility criteria was randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of exercise therapy on physical function, independence and wellbeing in older patients following hip fracture, initiated from time of surgery up-to 1-year.

RESULTS

Forty-nine studies involving 3905 participants showed a small to moderate effect of exercise therapy at short term (end of intervention) on mobility (Standardized mean difference, SMD 0.49, 95%CI 0.22-0.76); Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (SMD 0.31, 95%CI 0.16-0.46); lower limb muscle strength (SMD 0.36, 95%CI 0.13-0.60); balance (SMD 0.34, 95%CI 0.14-0.54). At long term (closest to 1-year), small to moderate effects were found for mobility (SMD 0.74, 95%CI 0.15-1.34); ADL (SMD 0.42, 95%CI 0.23-0.61); balance (SMD 0.50, 95%CI 0.07-0.94) and Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL) (SMD 0.31, 95%CI 0.03-0.59). Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE ranging from moderate to very low, due to study limitation and inconsistency.

CONCLUSION

We found low certainty of evidence for a moderate effect of exercise therapy on mobility in older patients following hip fracture at end-of-treatment and follow-up. Further, low evidence was found for small to moderate short-term effect on ADL, lower limb muscle strength and balance.

Exercise interventions, physical function, and mobility after hip fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of different exercise components on physical function and mobility in adults after hip fracture.

METHODS

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched up to March 2021. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of exercise interventions on physical function and mobility in adults after hip fracture were included.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (12 trials) were included (n = 1198, age = 80 ± 8 years). Exercise interventions had a moderate effect on overall physical function after hip fracture compared to non-exercise (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.27-0.65). Among different exercise components, progressive resistance exercise showed the largest effect (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.27-0.69), while aerobic exercise alone had no effect (SMD 0.41, 95% -0.44 to1.26) on physical function. Exercise had a small effect on mobility (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.12-0.43). Specifically, functional exercise showed a moderate effect (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.16-0.65) on mobility.

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence supports that exercise interventions improve physical function and mobility in older adults after hip fracture; specifically, resistance exercise with progressive load of 60-80% 1RM, and functional exercise may be critical intervention components respectively. Future high-quality research is needed to establish best practices.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONProgressive resistance exercise with 60-80% 1RM resulted in the largest improvement in physical function after hip fracture.Functional exercise appears to be a critical component for improving mobility after hip fracture. Functional exercise plus resistance and balance exercises was the most effective intervention for enhancing mobility.Exercise should be supervised by a trainer or a physiotherapist, and self-reported exercise may not result in the same benefits.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Postoperative Rehabilitation in Older Patients With Hip Fractures

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of hip fractures is increasing worldwide with the aging population, causing a challenge to healthcare systems due to the associated morbidities and high risk of mortality. After hip fractures in frail geriatric patients, existing comorbidities worsen and new complications are prone to occur. Comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for promoting physical function recovery and minimizing complications, which can be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations are required to assist healthcare providers in making decisions on rehabilitation post-surgery. Clinical practice guidelines regarding rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapies) and management of comorbidities/complications in the postoperative phase of hip fractures have not been developed. This guideline aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for various treatment items required for proper recovery after hip fracture surgeries.

METHODS

Reflecting the complex perspectives associated with rehabilitation post-hip surgeries, 15 key questions (KQs) reflecting the complex perspectives associated with post-hip surgery rehabilitation were categorized into four areas: multidisciplinary, rehabilitation, community-care, and comorbidities/complications. Relevant literature from four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed) was searched for articles published up to February 2020. The evidence level and recommended grade were determined according to the grade of recommendation assessment, development, and evaluation method.

RESULTS

A multidisciplinary approach, progressive resistance exercises, and balance training are strongly recommended. Early ambulation, weigh-bearing exercises, activities of daily living training, community-level rehabilitation, management of comorbidities/complication prevention, and nutritional support were also suggested. This multidisciplinary approach reduced the total healthcare cost.

CONCLUSION

This guideline presents comprehensive recommendations for the rehabilitation of adult patients after hip fracture surgery.

Orthogeriatric Management: Improvements in Outcomes during Hospital Admission Due to Hip Fracture

Hip fractures are an important socio-economic problem in western countries. Over the past 60 years orthogeriatric care has improved the management of older patients admitted to hospital after suffering hip fractures. Quality of care in orthogeriatric co-management units has increased, reducing adverse events during acute admission, length of stay, both in-hospital and mid-term mortality, as well as healthcare and social costs. Nevertheless, a large number of areas of controversy regarding the clinical management of older adults admitted due to hip fracture remain to be clarified. This narrative review, centered in the last 5 years, combined the search terms "hip fracture", "geriatric assessment", "second hip fracture", "surgery", "perioperative management" and "orthogeriatric care", in order to summarise the state of the art of some questions such as the optimum analgesic protocol, the best approach for treating anemia, the surgical options recommendable for each type of fracture and the efficiency of orthogeriatric co-management and functional recovery.

Effect of an additional health-professional-led exercise programme on clinical health outcomes after hip fracture

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of an additional 2-week health professional-led functional exercise programme compared to usual care for patients after hip fracture during a short-term nursing home stay directly after hospital discharge.

METHOD

One hundred and forty participants, 65 years or older with hip fracture, admitted to a short-term nursing home stay were randomised to an intervention group or control group. Participants in the intervention group (n = 78) received the experimental programme consisted of functional exercises, performed by health care professionals up to four times a day, 7 days a week, in addition to usual care during a 2-week short-term nursing home stay. Participants in the control group (n = 62) received usual care alone. Primary outcome was Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes were Timed Up & Go, New Mobility Score, The University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale, Fall Efficacy Scale International, The EuroQol five dimension five-level questionnaire, and Numeric Rating Scale for pain. Outcome measures were assessed after 2 weeks in a short-term nursing home stay and 3 months after hip fracture surgery. The activity monitor ActivPal registered activity during the 2-week short-term nursing home stay.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences between groups was found in any outcomes after 2 weeks or 3 months (p > 0.05). There were statistically significant within-group improvements in primary outcome SPPB and in most secondary outcomes at all time points in both groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A 2-week health professional-led functional exercise programme in addition to usual care demonstrated no difference in clinical outcomes compared to usual care alone up to 3 months after hip fracture. The patients with hip fracture are fragile and vulnerable in this early phase, and usual physiotherapy may be sufficient to improve their physical function.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02780076.

Intelligent rehabilitation assistant system to promote the early functional recovery of the elderly patients with femoral neck fracture after hemiarthroplasty (HA): A protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Femoral neck fracture is a common type of hip fracture, which has a high morbidity and mortality. Surgical treatment is the first choice. However, the functional rehabilitation after operation has not been paid enough attention. In addition, the quality of exercise is difficult to quantify, and the rehabilitation is lack of standards. Therefore, the intelligent rehabilitation assistant system which could record exercise details, might be used to evaluate the quality and adherence to the prescribed exercise to this fragile group of patients has great relevance, so as to provide new ideas for postoperative rehabilitation of hip fracture.

METHODS

This is an opening, prospective, double-dummy RCT. Fifty femoral neck fractures patients, older than 65 years and are about to hospitalize for HA, will be invited to study. The sample will be divided into monitoring group and control group randomly at a 1:1 ratio. The prescribed exercises need to be done continuously for 2 weeks. The monitoring group needs additional use intelligent rehabilitation assistant system. Each subject will receive a total of 4 follow-up visits at the designated time (2 weeks, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). The following factors will be talked as dependent variables:Each subject will receive a total of 4 follow-up visits at the designated time, and the findings will be analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (P < .05).

DISCUSSION

Exercise under monitor may improve patients compliance and exercise quality, and accelerate the rehabilitation process. This protocol reported in accordance with the CONSORT 2010 checklist and SPIRIT 2013 Checklist.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered at Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2000033213, May 24, 2020).

Predictors of balance in older hip fracture patients undergoing standard motor rehabilitation

PURPOSE

Little is known about the factors predicting balance in hip fracture patients. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to assess balance before and after inpatient rehabilitation and, secondarily, to identify factors predicting the balance levels in older hip fracture patients after motor rehabilitation.

METHODS

Data were collected in 124 hip fracture patients over a 2-year period. All patients underwent a standard motor rehabilitation program. A modified version of Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score after rehabilitation, daily gain and percentage of improvement in BBS were the outcome measures. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of balance.

RESULTS

The mean BBS score was 8.33 ± 7.23 at admission and 21.79 ± 12.15 at the end of rehabilitation (p < 0.001). The daily gain in BBS score was 0.39 ± 0.31 and the percent improvement was 32.28 ± 23.04%. Standing with one foot in front and standing on one foot were the BBS items with the lowest score at discharge and the lowest daily gain and percent improvement. The Cognitive-Functional Independence Measure (cognitive-FIM), hip muscles strength, and Katz index at discharge had moderate-to-strong relationships with final score, daily gain and percentage of improvement in BBS. Cognitive-FIM was a predictor of final BBS score (beta 0.49, p < 0.001), daily gain in BBS (beta 0.34, p < 0.001) and percent improvement in BBS (beta 0.44, p < 0.001). Conversely, hip muscles strength was a predictor of final BBS score (beta 0.32, p = 0.001), and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale severity, a predictor of daily gain in BBS (beta -0.29, p = 0.001). The R² value of the models were, respectively, 0.39, 0.23, and 0.19.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive function, comorbidities and hip muscles strength are important predictors of balance in hip fracture patients. Knowledge of these specific factors can be useful for physicians to identify patients needing specific rehabilitation programs for balance.

Exercise for people with a fragility fracture of the pelvis or lower limb: a systematic review of interventions evaluated in clinical trials and reporting quality

BACKGROUND

To aid design of exercise trials for people with pelvic and lower limb fragility fractures a systematic review was conducted to identify what types of exercise interventions and mobility outcomes have been assessed, investigate intervention reporting quality, and evaluate risk of bias in published trials.

METHODS

Systematic searches of electronic databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro) 1996-2019 were conducted to identify randomised controlled trials of exercise for pelvic or lower limb fragility fractures. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts. One reviewer extracted data, a second verified. Two reviewers independently assessed risk of bias. Intervention reporting quality was based on TIDieR, assessed by one reviewer and verified by a second. Narrative synthesis was undertaken. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42017060905.

RESULTS

Searches identified 37 trials including 3564 participants, median sample size 81 (IQR 48-124), participants aged 81 years (IQR 79-82) and 76% (2536/3356) female. All trials focussed on people with hip fracture except one on ankle fracture. Exercise types focussed on resistance exercise in 14 trials, weight bearing exercise in 5 trials, 13 varied dose of sessions with health professionals, and 2 trials each focussed on treadmill gait training, timing of weight bearing or aerobic exercise. 30/37 (81%) of trials reported adequate sequence generation, 25/37 (68%) sufficient allocation concealment. 10/37 (27%) trials lacked outcome assessor blinding. Of 65 exercise interventions, reporting was clear for 33 (51%) in terms of when started, 61 (94%) for where delivered, 49 (75%) for who delivered, 47 (72%) for group or individual, 29 (45%) for duration, 46 (71%) for session frequency, 8 (12%) for full prescription details to enable the exercises to be reproduced, 32 (49%) clearly reported tailoring or modification, and 23 (35%) reported exercise adherence. Subjectively assessed mobility was assessed in 22/37 (59%) studies and 29/37 (78%) used an objective measure.

CONCLUSIONS

All trials focussed on hip fracture, apart from one ankle fracture trial. Research into pelvic and other lower limb fragility fractures is indicated. A range of exercise types were investigated but to date deficiencies in intervention reporting hamper reproducibility. Adoption of TIDieR and CERT guidelines should improve intervention reporting as use increases. Trials would be improved by consistent blinded outcome assessor use and with consensus on which mobility outcomes should be assessed.

Randomised controlled trial assessing the effect of a technology-assisted gait and balance training on mobility in older people after hip fracture: study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Deficits in balance and walking ability are relevant risk factors for falls during ageing. Moreover, falls are a risk factor for future falls, strongly associated with adverse health outcomes, such as fear of falling or fractures, particularly, hip fracture. For this reason, the development of prevention tools and innovative rehabilitation strategies is one of the main objectives in geriatrics. Effective interventions to promote hip recovery after hip fracture are characterised by intensive and repetitive movements. One treatment approach is to increase the number of steps during the rehabilitation sessions and to improve the balance and the endurance of the patients in the use of technological devices.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This randomised controlled trial aimed to evaluate an innovative rehabilitation treatment of elderly patients with hip fractures. A total of 195 patients with hip fractures will be recruited and randomly divided into three groups: traditional rehabilitation programme, traditional rehabilitation programme plus TYMO system and traditional rehabilitation programme plus Walker View. Assessments will be performed at baseline, at the end of treatment, at 6 months, and at 1 and 2 years after the end of the treatment. Only subjects hospitalised 4 weeks prior to the beginning of the study will be taken into consideration. Twenty treatment sessions will be conducted, divided into three training sessions per week, for 7 weeks. The technological intervention group will carry out 30 min sessions of traditional therapy and 20 min of treatment with a technological device. The control group will perform traditional therapy sessions, each lasting 50 min. The primary outcomes are risk of falling, gait performance and fear of falling.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifica, Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani Ethics Committee, with identification code number 19 014. Trial results will be submitted for publication in journals and conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04095338.

The effectiveness of a self-made modular elastic compression device for patients with a fracture of the tibia and fibula

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effectiveness of a self-made modular elastic compression device for patients with a fracture of the tibia and fibula.

METHODS

Fifty-nine healthy adult patients with a unilateral fracture of the tibia and fibula were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was given the self-made combined elastic compression device for the compression treatment of the affected limbs after the operation. The main endpoints included the convenience, safety, and effectiveness of the self-made modular elastic compression device for patients with a fracture of the tibia and fibula.

RESULTS

There were 29 cases in the experimental group and 30 cases in the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the general data: age, gender, fracture site, and cause of injury. The preoperative swelling elimination time was 3.3 ± 1.2 days, and the postoperative swelling elimination time was 3.1 ± 1.4 days in the experimental group; the preoperative swelling elimination time was 6.3 ± 1.2 days, and the postoperative swelling elimination time was 7.3 ± 1.2 days in the control group. The preoperative and postoperative swelling degree in the experimental group was shorter than those in the control group. The difference in the postoperative detumescence time between the experimental group (3.1 ± 1.4 days) and the control group (7.3 ± 1.2 days) was significant, and the total hospital stay was 8.1 ± 1.5 days in the experimental group and 13 ± 2.5 days in the control group with a statistical significance of P < 0.05. The change of discharge hemoglobin volume (11.2 ± 6.5 g/L) of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group (3.5 ± 1.2 days), the total drainage volume was 260 ± 50 ml, and the change of admission and discharge hemoglobin volume was 30.3 ± 10.4 g/L. Specifically, although the difference in the average hospital stay between the two groups was statistically significant, the difference was only 1 day, and the clinical difference was not significant. However, in the change of the cumulative drainage volume and hemoglobin volume, the experimental group that was given compression therapy was significantly lower than the control group with a statistical significance (P < 0.05). The pressure injury (4 cases) in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (8 cases) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A modular combined elastic compression device in patients with a tibial and fibular fracture can significantly accelerate a patient's rehabilitation, shorten the hospital stay, reduce blood loss, relieve the patient's pain, and relieve the patient's social-economic burden during recovery.

Balance training can enhance hip fracture patients' independence in activities of daily living: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

We conducted this meta-analysis to analyze the effectiveness of balance training in improving postoperative rehabilitation outcomes in hip fracture surgery patients.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed electronic databases were searched from their inception to December 2018. We selected prospective clinical control analyses and high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) following the inclusion standards. We used Stata 12.0 to perform the meta-analysis. Where possible, the standard mean difference (SMD) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs involving 955 hips (balance training = 487, control = 468) published between 2002 and 2019 were assessed for eligibility of inclusion in the meta-analysis. Balance training was shown to remarkably improve the aspects of quality of life associated with physical health (standard mean difference [SMD], 2.20; 95% CI, 1.63-2.78, P = .000), a fast gait speed (SMD, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.25-1.77, P = .009), and balance (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI: [0.12, 0.41], P = .000). Moreover, the balance training group showed increases in independence in activities of daily living (ADLs), performance task scores, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores compared with the control group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

According to the present meta-analysis, balance training improves one's independence in activities of daily living, performance tasks, lower limb strength, gait, and total physical function compared with no balance training. More high-quality RCTs with large sample sizes are required for the identification of the best balance training program after hip fracture.

Community rehabilitation interventions after hip fracture: Pragmatic evidence-based practice recommendations

Practice development enables practitioners to develop their knowledge and allows the application of evidence-based care for their patients. It happens within the practitioner's own clinical practice area and enhances personal and professional growth whilst focusing on patients' specific needs. This is important when working with patients in the rehabilitation phase following fragility hip fracture whose care should be provided by practitioners knowledgeable about the best way to approach their needs. This article, which followed the methods for a scoping review, aims to provide the practitioner with an overview of rehabilitation interventions for patients following hip fracture discussed in the literature. There is an introduction to the nature of rehabilitation and the issues raised for the patient with a hip fracture, a discussion of the existing literature, and recommendations for practice based on both that evidence and a pragmatic approach to care. Scoping reviews provide overviews of broad topic areas (Peterson et al., 2017). This gives the reader the opportunity to consider how other factors, besides research evidence, can contribute to best practice and to reflect on how their own practice needs to develop. At the end of the discussion, an overview of pragmatic recommendations for practice is provided based on the findings of the literature considered. Some points for individual reflection are also provided to help the practitioner to consider how the contents of the paper might impact on their own practice.

Efficacy of balance training for hip fracture patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

To investigate whether the clinical effects of balance training were improved in hip fracture patients.

Methods

Electronic databases which included PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2018 were searched. High-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective clinical controlled studies were selected based on inclusion criteria. Stata 12.0 was used for the meta-analysis. Standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the effects.

Results

Finally, 9 studies with 872 patients (balance training = 445, control = 427) were included in our meta-analysis (published between 1997 and 2018). Compared with the control group, balance training group showed a significant increase in overall function (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI [0.25, 0.93], P = 0.001), gait speed (SMD = 0.63, 95% CI [0.19, 1.07], P = 0.005), lower limb strength (SMD = 0.73, 95% CI [0.50, 0.95], P = 0.000), activities of daily living (ADLs) (SMD = 0.97, 95% CI [0.61, 1.34], P = 0.000), performance task scores (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI [0.21, 0.61], P = 0.000), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI [0.16, 0.47], P = 0.000).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis revealed that the balance training group has improved overall physical functioning, gait, lower limb strength, performance task, and activity of daily living than the control group. More high-quality and large-scale RCTs are needed to identify the optimal regimen of balance training after hip fracture.

Effect of Balance Training After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

Background

Although balance impairment after hip fracture surgery (HFS) can constitute a long-term problem of limiting mobility and increasing the risk of falls in older adults, little is known about the effect of balance training (BT) on physical functioning after HFS. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate whether BT improved the overall physical functioning of patients after HFS.

Methods

We searched the PubMed-Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases in January 2018 and included all randomized controlled trials comparing BT with usual care after HFS. We performed a pairwise meta-analysis using fixed- and random-effects models.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials including a total of 752 participants were retrieved. The BT group showed significantly improved overall physical functioning after HFS compared with the usual care group (overall standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.390; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.114–0.667; p = .006). Both, balance and gait improved (SMD = 0.570; 95% CI = 0.149–0.992; p = .008 and SMD = 0.195; 95% CI = 0.043–0.347; p = .012, respectively) in the BT group. Lower limb strength, performance task, activity of daily living, and health-related quality of life also improved significantly in the BT group.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis revealed that BT after HFS improved overall physical functioning. Positive effects on balance, gait, lower limb strength, performance task, activity of daily living, and health-related quality of life were evident. Therefore, BT should be specifically included in postoperative rehabilitation programs and balance must be thoroughly checked in elderly patients with hip fractures.

Effectiveness of the computerized balance rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery: A study protocol of a prospective and open-label clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Although balance problems in older populations are directly correlated with hip fractures, the overall physical gain afforded by balance rehabilitation itself has not yet been fully investigated. Here we describe a protocol for an open-label clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-based balance-specific exercise (BSE) on the performance and balance of elderly women who underwent hip fracture surgery (HFS).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Elderly female patients (≥65 years old) who underwent surgery for femoral neck, intertrochanteric, or subtrochanteric fracture regardless of surgery type will be included. The BSE will be conducted using a computed posturographic system for a 2-week intervention period following HFS. The primary outcome of this study is Berg balance scale score. All functional outcomes will be measured at 1 and 3 weeks and at 3 and 6 months after the surgical intervention. The data will be analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle.