The effects of muscle strength and power training on mobility among older hip fracture patients

Evaluation of mobility recovery after hip fracture: a scoping review of randomized controlled studies

Few older adults regain their pre-fracture mobility after a hip fracture. Intervention studies evaluating effects on gait typically use short clinical tests or in-lab parameters that are often limited to gait speed only. Measurements of mobility in daily life settings exist and should be considered to a greater extent than today. Less than half of hip fracture patients regain their pre-fracture mobility. Mobility recovery is closely linked to health status and quality of life, but there is no comprehensive overview of how gait has been evaluated in intervention studies on hip fracture patients. The purpose was to identify what gait parameters have been used in randomized controlled trials to assess intervention effects on older people's mobility recovery after hip fracture. This scoping review is a secondary paper that identified relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature from 11 databases. After abstract and full-text screening, 24 papers from the original review and 8 from an updated search and manual screening were included. Records were eligible if they included gait parameters in RCTs on hip fracture patients. We included 32 papers from 29 trials (2754 unique participants). Gait parameters were primary endpoint in six studies only. Gait was predominantly evaluated as short walking, with gait speed being most frequently studied. Only five studies reported gait parameters from wearable sensors. Evidence on mobility improvement after interventions in hip fracture patients is largely limited to gait speed as assessed in a controlled setting. The transition from traditional clinical and in-lab to out-of-lab gait assessment is needed to assess effects of interventions on mobility recovery after hip fracture at higher granularity in all aspects of patients' lives, so that optimal care pathways can be defined.

Effectiveness of intensive versus regular or no exercise in older adults after hip fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Individuals commonly experience age-related systemic decreases in skeletal muscle strength, physical function, and mobility, leading to falls and potential associated hip fractures.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether intensive exercise can improve physical function, mobility, and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and shorten the length of hospital stay in older adults after hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed on January 5, 2022 in eight databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The participants included older adults with hip fracture, and the intervention studied was intensive exercise. The outcomes were physical function, mobility, ADLs, and the length of hospital stay. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included in this review. After hip fracture surgery, intensive exercise improved participants' physical function to a greater extent than regular or no exercise (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.25, 1.23). Intensive exercise was particularly more effective for gait speed (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.30), the timed up-and-go test results (mean difference [MD] = -4.34, 95%CI: -6.74, -1.94), balance (SMD =0.42, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.89), and ADLs (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.87). The quality of the evidence was low due to risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensive exercise early post-operation provides potential additional benefits compared to no or regular exercises on older adults after hip fracture surgery.

Adherence to Exercise Programs in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Postdischarge for Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether older adults adhere to exercise programs after discharge for hip fracture and how adherence relates to exercise program characteristics and intervention efficacy.

DATA SOURCES

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched from inception to August 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions in adults older than 60 years with a surgically managed hip fracture that provided a measure of adherence were selected by 2 independent reviewers.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted independently by 1 reviewer and cross-checked by a second reviewer for accuracy. Risk of bias was assessed with 2 tools: a customized checklist was used to examine sources of bias and ambiguity for adherence data, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the interval validity of studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Seventeen trials with 1850 participants (mean age, 78.8 years) were included in the review. The pooled estimate of adherence to exercise programs post hip fracture was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78-0.95). Programs that were more than 6 months in duration were associated with a decrease in adherence (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.77). However, increased adherence was not associated with improvements in functional outcomes. None of the other program characteristics were associated with improvements in functional outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to exercise programs after hip fracture appears to be high and may be related to program duration. However, there is a need for a standardized approach to measure and report adherence data in future studies to determine whether exercise adherence is associated with improvements in function for this population.

Progressive Resistance Training Program Characteristics in Rehabilitation Programs Following Hip Fracture: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

Introduction: Older adults often experience incomplete recovery after a hip fracture. Rehabilitation programs with progressive resistance training are associated with improved functional recovery. This systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression a) evaluated resistance training characteristics reported in hip fracture rehabilitation programs, b) performed meta-analysis of resistance training impact on strength (primary outcome), gait and physical activity (secondary outcomes), and c) explored resistance training program characteristics associated with improved outcomes using meta-regression. Materials and Methods: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHLPLUS, and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched (January2000–February2021). Randomized controlled trials including progressive resistance training rehabilitation programs after hip fracture surgery in adults ≥50 years old were included. Meta-analyses and exploratory meta-regression were performed. Results: Meta-analysis showed significant increases in strength (10 trials-728 participants; Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) [95%CI]; .40 [.02, .78]) immediately following program completion in intervention relative to control participants. Meta-analysis on 5 trials (n = 384) with extended follow up found no significant group differences (SMD = .47 [-.28, 1.23]) in strength. Center-based relative to home-based programs were associated with significantly greater improvements in strength (P < .05) as were programs where resistance training intensity was prescribed using one-repetition maximum relative to other exercise prescription methods (P < .05). In gait meta-analysis (n = 10 trials-704 participants), gait speed in intervention participants immediately after the program was significantly higher than control (SMD = .42 [.08, .76]) but this finding was not maintained in extended follow-up (n = 5 trials-240 participants; SMD = .6 [-.26, .38]). Higher resistance training intensity was associated with significant improvements in gait speed (P < .05). No meta-analysis was performed for the 3 heterogeneous studies reporting physical activity. Discussion: Progressive resistance training improved muscle strength and gait speed after hip fracture surgery in adults ≥50years old immediately after the program ended, but the longer-term impact may be more limited. Conclusions: Higher resistance training intensity and center-based programs may be associated with more improvement, but require further research.

A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial Evaluating a Resistance Training Intervention With Frail Older Adults in Residential Care: The Keeping Active in Residential Elderly Trial

Frailty is associated with negative health outcomes, disability, and mortality. Physical activity is an effective intervention to improve functional health status. However, the effect of resistance training on multidimensional health in frail older adults remains unclear. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a U.K. residential care home to assess feasibility with limited efficacy testing on health and functional outcomes and to inform a future definitive randomized controlled trial. Eleven frail older adults (>65 years) completed a 6-week machine-based resistance training protocol three times a week. Uptake and retention were greater than 80%. The measures and intervention were found to be acceptable and practicable. The analyses indicated large improvements in functional capacity, frailty, and strength in the intervention group compared with the controls. These findings support the feasibility of a definitive randomized controlled trial and reinforce the value of resistance training in this population. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03141879.

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.

Progressive Resistance Training for Improving Health-Related Outcomes in People at Risk of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis clinical practice guidelines recommend exercise to prevent fractures, but the efficacy of exercise depends on the exercise types, population studied, or outcomes of interest. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effects of progressive resistance training (PRT) on health-related outcomes in people at risk of fracture.

METHODS

Multiple databases were searched in October 2019. Eligible articles were randomized controlled trials of PRT interventions in men and women ≥50 years with low bone mineral density (BMD) or fracture history. Descriptive information and mean difference (MD) and SD were directly extracted for included trials. A total of 53 studies were included.

RESULTS

The effects of PRT on the total number of falls (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.91 - 1.21; 7 studies) and on the risk of falling (risk ratio [RR] = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.00 - 1.51; 5 studies) are uncertain. PRT improved performance on the Timed "Up and Go" test (MD = -0.89 seconds; 95% CI = -1.01 to -0.78; 13 studies) and health-related quality of life (standardized MD = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.22-0.42; 20 studies). PRT may increase femoral neck (MD = 0.02 g/cm2; 95% CI = 0.01-0.03; 521 participants, 5 studies) but not lumbar spine BMD (MD = 0.02 g/cm2; 95% CI = -0.01-0.05; 4 studies), whereas the effects on total hip BMD are uncertain (MD = 0.00 g/cm2; 95% CI = 0.00-0.01; 435 participants, 4 studies). PRT reduced pain (standardized MD = -0.26; 95% CI = -0.37 to -0.16; 17 studies). Sensitivity analyses, including PRT-only studies, confirmed these findings.

CONCLUSION

Individuals at risk of fractures should be encouraged to perform PRT, as it may improve femoral neck BMD, health-related quality of life, and physical functioning. PRT also reduced pain; however, whether PRT increases or decreases the risk of falls, the number of people experiencing a fall, or the risk of fall-related injuries is uncertain.

IMPACT

Individuals at risk of fractures should be encouraged to perform PRT, as it may have positive effects on femoral neck BMD, health-related quality of life, physical functioning, and pain, and adverse events are rare.

LAY SUMMARY

Exercise is recommended for people at risk of osteoporotic fractures. Our study showed that progressive resistance training improves physical functioning, quality of life, and reduces pain. The effects of progressive resistance training on the risk of falling are unclear. Adverse events are rare, and often minor (eg, soreness, pain, musculoskeletal injury). Considering the benefits and safety, people at risk of fractures should engage in progressive resistance training interventions.

The Effect of Intensive Abductor Strengthening on Postoperative Muscle Efficiency and Functional Ability of Hip-Fractured Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are common in the elderly and many patients fail to regain prefracture hip abductor strength or functional status. The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the effects of an intensive abductor muscle exercise program versus a standard physiotherapy intervention in hip-fractured patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety six femoral neck-fractured patients were randomized into equal-sized groups. A 12-week standard physiotherapy program was implemented in the control group(S-PT) whereas an intensive exercise program, emphasizing on abductors' strengthening, was implemented in the research group(I-PT). Abductors' isometric strength of the fractured hip, abductor ratio% in the fractured compared to contralateral hip, and functional level were assessed at the 3^rd (postintervention) and 6^th (followup) months.

RESULTS

Postintervention, abductors' isometric strength was 35.7% greater (P < 0.0005) and abductor ratio% was 2.5% higher (P < 0.0005) in I-PT group, compared to S-PT group. With regard to functional assessments, I-PT group was 29.1% faster during Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and achieved a 26.7% higher Lower Extremity Functional Scale Greek version's (LEFS-Greek) total score, compared to S-PT group (P < 0.0005). At followup, abductors' isometric strength was 37.0% greater (P < 0.0005) and abductor ratio% was 7.1% higher (P < 0.0005) in I-PT group, compared to S-PT group. In addition, I-PT group was 45.9% faster during TUG test (P < 0.0005) and achieved an 11.2% higher LEFS-Greek total score, compared to S-PT group (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the standard physiotherapy intervention, the intensive abductor-strengthening program significantly increased both abductors' isometric strength of the fractured hip and abductor ratio% and resulted in patients' enhanced functional level.

CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER

ISRCTN30713542.

An Exploratory Survey of Older Women's Post-Fall Decisions

This research examined factors influencing older women's post-fall decision making. We surveyed 130 independent older women from continuing care retirement communities and non-institutional homes. We categorized women's post-fall decisions as medical, corrective, and social decisions, and examined the associations between post-fall decision categories, decisional conflict, number of post-fall changes, self-rated health, frequency of falls, severity of falls, health literacy, awareness and openness to long-term care institutional options, and demographics. Older women experienced greater decisional conflict when making medical decisions versus social ( p = .012) and corrective ( p = .047) decisions. Significant predictors of post-fall decisional conflict were awareness of institutional care options ( p = .001) and health literacy ( p = .001). Future educational interventions should address knowledge deficits and provide resources to enhance collaborative efforts to lower women's post-fall decisional conflict and increase satisfaction in the decisions they make after a fall.

Maximising functional recovery following hip fracture in frail seniors

This review discusses factors affecting recovery following hip fracture in frail older people as well as interventions associated with improved functional recovery. Prefracture function, cognitive status, co-morbidities, depression, nutrition and social support impact recovery and may interact to affect post-fracture outcome. There is mounting evidence that exercise is beneficial following hip fracture with higher-intensity/duration programmes showing more promising outcomes. Pharmacologic management for osteoporosis has benefits in preventing further fractures, and interest is growing in pharmacologic treatments for post-fracture loss of muscle mass and strength. A growing body of evidence suggests that sub-populations - those with cognitive impairment, residing in nursing homes or males - also benefit from rehabilitation after hip fracture. Optimal post-fracture care may entail the use of multiple interventions; however, more work is needed to determine optimal exercise components, duration and intensity as well as exploring the impact of multimodal interventions that combine exercise, pharmacology, nutrition and other interventions.

An intervention study exploring the effects of providing older adult hip fracture patients with an information booklet in the early postoperative period

AIM

To determine whether the provision of an information booklet on mobilisation improves early mobility postsurgical repair of hip fracture.

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture among older people can have long-lasting consequences with the majority of patients failing to achieve their prefracture functional status. Early postoperative mobility may have a positive effect on long-term recovery. The importance of providing postoperative information on mobility has been highlighted. It is suggested that patients remain passive in their recovery when they do not understand the importance of mobilisation.

DESIGN

The study used a pretest-post-test design of two treatments and a usual care control group.

METHODS

Eighty-three adults postsurgical repair of hip fracture, aged 65 years and older, were recruited to the study. Participants were assigned to one of three groups, a usual care group, treatment group 1 (T(1)) usual care plus basic information booklet or treatment group 2 (T(2)) usual care plus detailed information booklet. Data collection three days postsurgery and prior to discharge included the Mini-Mental State Examination, a Demographic Questionnaire, the Elderly Mobility Scale and a Numerical Pain Scale.

RESULTS

Greatest improvements in Elderly Mobility Scale scores occurred in T(1), with least changes observed in T(2). Changes did not reach significance level (p=0·105).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study suggest that the provision of basic information is preferable and highlights a deficiency of education in usual care.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Hip fracture patients should be provided with an educational booklet containing basic information on mobility to promote optimal recovery.

Interventions for improving mobility after hip fracture surgery in adults

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture mainly occurs in older people. Strategies to improve mobility include gait retraining, various forms of exercise and muscle stimulation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of different interventions for improving mobility after hip fracture surgery in adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and other databases, and reference lists of articles, up to April 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised trials comparing different mobilisation strategies after hip fracture surgery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The authors independently selected trials, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. There was no data pooling.

MAIN RESULTS

The 19 included trials (involving 1589 older adults) were small, often with methodological flaws. Just two pairs of trials tested similar interventions.Twelve trials evaluated mobilisation strategies started soon after hip fracture surgery. Single trials found improved mobility from, respectively, a two-week weight-bearing programme, a quadriceps muscle strengthening exercise programme and electrical stimulation aimed at alleviating pain. Single trials found no significant improvement in mobility from, respectively, a treadmill gait retraining programme, 12 weeks of resistance training, and 16 weeks of weight-bearing exercise. One trial testing ambulation started within 48 hours of surgery found contradictory results. One historic trial found no significant difference in unfavourable outcomes for weight bearing started at two versus 12 weeks. Of two trials evaluating more intensive physiotherapy regimens, one found no difference in recovery, the other reported a higher level of drop-out in the more intensive group. Two trials tested electrical stimulation of the quadriceps: one found no benefit and poor tolerance of the intervention; the other found improved mobility and good tolerance.Seven trials evaluated strategies started after hospital discharge. Started soon after discharge, two trials found improved outcome after 12 weeks of intensive physical training and a home-based physical therapy programme respectively. Begun after completion of standard physical therapy, one trial found improved outcome after six months of intensive physical training, one trial found increased activity levels from a one year exercise programme, and one trial found no significant effects of home-based resistance or aerobic training. One trial found improved outcome after home-based exercises started around 22 weeks from injury. One trial found home-based weight-bearing exercises starting at seven months produced no significant improvement in mobility.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to establish the best strategies for enhancing mobility after hip fracture surgery.