Stride activity level in young and middle-aged adults with hip disorders

A Mind-Body Intervention to Improve Physical Activity for Patients with Chronic Hip-Related Pain: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Pain and dysfunction persist for most patients following hip-related pain treatment. Additionally, individuals with hip-related pain are typically less physically active than individuals without hip pain, despite evidence that regular physical activity reduces chronic musculoskeletal pain. Poor psychological health is common in patients with hip-related pain and further reinforces low physical activity. Mind-body interventions can improve psychological health and activity levels but have yet to be integrated to provide comprehensive, psychologically informed care for patients with hip-related pain. Thus, we are using the NCCIH intervention development framework to develop Helping Improve PSychological Health (HIPS), a novel, multimodal mind-body intervention to improve physical activity for individuals with hip-related pain and poor psychological health.

METHODS

We will recruit physical therapists (N = 20) and patients with hip-related pain (N = 20) to participate in 60 min qualitative interviews (focus groups with therapists; one-on-one interviews with patients). Using these data, we will develop the initial HIPS intervention and provider training materials. One physical therapist will be trained to deliver the HIPS intervention to five participants in an open pilot trial. Participants will attend six 30 min HIPS intervention sessions. We will collect quantitative data on satisfaction, improvement, and physical activity, alongside qualitative exit interviews with participants and the physical therapist in order to refine the HIPS intervention and provider training materials.

RESULTS

This study has been approved by the MGB IRB. We aim to develop and test the initial feasibility of the HIPS intervention in an open pilot trial. The findings from this project will inform a subsequent feasibility RCT.

Increased Duration and Intensity of Physical Activity Are Associated With Increased Pain in Individuals With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relation between accelerometer-measured physical activity and real-time pain in individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). We tested the hypothesis that increased duration of high intensity activity would contribute to momentary increases in pain.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Participants' natural, day-to-day environment.

PARTICIPANTS

Population-based sample of 33 individuals with unilateral FAIS. Important eligibility criteria included no concomitant hip disorders or previous hip surgery. Key sociodemographic features include that all participants were required to have a smartphone.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Duration and intensity of physical activity as measured by a waist-worn accelerometer, and instantaneous pain reported in real-time smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment surveys. Physical activity variables included each person's average sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the 90 minutes proceeding all pain surveys as well as fluctuation in sedentary, LPA, and MVPA above or below average prior to each individual survey.

RESULTS

Linear mixed models revealed that the significant predictors of pain included fluctuation in sedentary time (B=-0.031, P<.001), average LPA (B=0.26, P=.035), and the interaction between fluctuation in LPA and fluctuation in MVPA (B=0.001, P<.001). Fluctuation in sedentary time above a person's average was associated with lower pain, while average LPA and fluctuations above average in both LPA and MVPA were associated with higher pain.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that individuals with FAIS can engage in health-enhancing MVPA but should focus on avoiding concurrent increase above average in both high intensity and LPA in the same 90-minute period. Future work is warranted testing the efficacy of such an approach on pain. Additionally, given that high levels of LPA may arise from a host of socioeconomic factors, additional research is needed to disentangle the effect of LPA on pain in FAIS.

Does Daily Physical Activity Differ Between Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and Patients with Hip Dysplasia? A Cross-Sectional Study in 157 Patients and 60 Healthy Volunteers

BACKGROUND

The clinical presentation of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and acetabular hip dysplasia (HD) are similar. However, the groups seem to differ regarding physical activity (PA) and sport.

PURPOSE

The aim was to compare PA between three groups; patients with FAIS, patients with HD, and healthy volunteers. A secondary purpose was to compare self-reported function in sport and recreation (sport/recreation) between patients with FAIS and HD.

STUDY DESIGN

This study is a cross-sectional study on 157 patients with FAIS or HD and 60 healthy controls.

METHODS

PA was measured with accelerometer-based sensors, and sport/recreation was measured with the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Data on patients with FAIS or HD and healthy volunteers were collected in other studies and merged for comparison in this study.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients with FAIS (20 males; mean age 36 years), 97 patients with HD (15 males; mean age 30 years) and 60 healthy volunteers (24 males; mean age 31 years) were included. Compared with patients with HD, patients with FAIS spent more time on very low intensity PA (mean 73 minutes (95% CI: 45;102)) and less time on low intensity PA per day (mean -21 minutes (95% CI: -37;-6)). Both groups spent less time on high intensity PA per day compared with healthy volunteers (p≤0.03). However, sport/recreation did not differ between the two groups (FAIS: median 34 points (IQR: 22;50) and HD: median 38 points (IQR: 25;53), p=0.16).

CONCLUSION

Patients with FAIS appear to be less physical active compared with patients with HD. However, both groups seem to perform less high intensity PA compared with healthy volunteers. This is interesting, as self-reported function in sport/recreation does not differ between patients with FAIS and HD. Thus, high intensity PA seems to be a key outcome in the management of patients with FAIS and HD.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2b.

Despite patient-reported outcomes improve, patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome do not increase their objectively measured sport and physical activity level 1 year after hip arthroscopic surgery. Results from the HAFAI cohort

PURPOSE

Patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) are young and middle-aged persons living physically active lives including sports activities. However, measurements of the physical activity level before and after hip arthroscopic surgery in patients with FAIS using both self-reported and objective accelerometer-based measures are lacking. Furthermore, comparing patients with a reference group of persons reporting no hip problems and conducting subgroup analyses investigating changes in physical activity level and self-reported outcomes according to pre-surgery activity level may further highlight the activity pattern for patients.

METHODS

Sixty patients with FAIS eligible for hip arthroscopic surgery were consecutively included in a prospective cohort study (HAFAI cohort) together with 30 reference persons reporting no hip problems. Participants completed the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) together with questions regarding their sports activities. Furthermore, participants wore a three-axial accelerometer for five consecutive days during waking hours. The accelerometer-based data were analysed and presented as total activity and type, frequency and duration of activities.

RESULTS

Patients experienced significant and clinically relevant changes in all HAGOS scores. 88% of patients participated in some kind of sports activity 1 year after surgery. Overall, objectively measured physical activity did not change from before to 1 year after surgery. However, subgroup analyses of the most sedentary patients preoperatively revealed significant changes towards a more active pattern. Compared to reference persons, patients performed less bicycling and running.

CONCLUSION

Despite clinically relevant changes in self-reported outcomes, patients did not increase their overall physical activity level 1 year after surgery. Physical activity levels were lower in patients than in the reference group and patients continued bicycling and running less compared with the reference group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Does the physical activity profile change in patients with hip dysplasia from before to 1 year after periacetabular osteotomy?

Background and purpose - Knowledge of physical activity profiles among patients with hip dysplasia is lacking. We investigated whether patients with hip dysplasia change physical activity profile from before to 1 year after periacetabular osteotomy. Furthermore, we investigated associations between change in accelerometer-based physical activity and change in self-reported participation in preferred physical activities (PA). Patients and methods - Physical activity was objectively measured at very low to high intensity levels with accelerometer-based sensors. Subjectively, PA was recorded with Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) in 77 patients. Associations between the 2 were analyzed with simple linear regression analyses. Results - Changes in accelerometer-based physical activity ranged from -2.2 to 4.0% points at all intensity levels from baseline to 1-year follow-up. These changes represent very small effect sizes (-0.16 to 0.14). In contrast, self-reported PA showed a statistically and clinically relevant increase of 22 (CI 14-29) HAGOS PA points 1 year post-surgery. Associations between change in accelerometer-based physical activity and change in self-reported PA were, however, not statistically significant and correspond to a percentage change in physical activity of only -0.87% to 0.65% for a change of 10 HAGOS PA points. Interpretation - Patients with hip dysplasia do not seem to change physical activity profile 1 year post-surgery if measured with objective accelerometer-based sensors. This is interesting as self-reported PA indicates that patients' ability to participate in physical activity increases, suggesting that this increased self-reported participatory capacity is not manifested as increased objectively measured physical activity.

Rotational alignment of the knee is different in osteological specimens with and without a large cam deformity of the proximal femur

PURPOSE

We studied a large osteological collection for differences in knee rotation based upon the presence or absence of a large cam deformity of the proximal femur.

METHODS

We obtained 357 matched tibiae and femora from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection and measured: femoral head-neck alpha angle, anteroposterior axis (or Whiteside's line) at the distal femur relative to the posterior condylar axis, and position of the tibial tubercle with respect to the posterior condylar axis of the proximal tibia. We then divided these specimens into two groups based upon alpha angle <45° (Group 1, n = 73) or alpha angle >60° (Group 2, n = 122) and performed an independent samples t-test to evaluate for differences in measured parameters between groups using this subset of specimens.

RESULTS

The mean alpha angles in Group 1 and 2 were 40.9° ± 3.3° and 67.0° ± 5.6°, respectively. Whiteside's line was externally rotated with respect to the posterior femoral condylar axis by a mean of 1.8° ± 6.8° in Group 1, vs. 3.0° ± 3.7° in Group 2 (p = 0.03). The tibial tubercle was externally rotated by a mean of 19.4° ± 6.8° in Group 1, versus 16.6° ± 5.1° in Group 2 (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Specimens with femoral head-neck alpha angle >60° demonstrated greater external rotation of the distal femur and a more internally-rotated tibial tubercle compared to specimens with an alpha angle <45°. Differences in anatomic characteristics of the knee may play a role in the development of patellofemoral pain in patients with a large cam deformity.

Physical impairments in symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement: a systematic review of the evidence

Background

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and associated pathologies are associated with pain and reduced quality of life. Physical impairments can be associated with worse symptoms and may be an important target of rehabilitation programmes in this patient group. Knowledge regarding physical impairments in people with symptomatic FAI is limited.

Hypothesis

In adults aged 18–50 years with symptomatic FAI: (1) to identify physical impairments in range of motion (ROM), hip muscle function and functional tasks; (2) to compare physical impairments with healthy controls; and (3) to evaluate the effects of interventions targeting physical impairments.

Study design

Systematic review.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The modified Downs and Black checklist was used for quality appraisal. Studies of adults aged 18–50 years with symptomatic FAI that examined ROM, hip muscle function and functional tasks were included. Standardised mean differences were calculated where possible or best evidence synthesis and study conclusions were presented.

Results

Twenty-two studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was varied. Results for hip joint ROM differences between people with symptomatic FAI compared and control subjects were varied. People with symptomatic FAI demonstrated some deficits in hip muscle strength and reduced balance on one leg when compared with control subjects. For hip joint ROM and hip muscle strength results for within-group differences between preintervention and postintervention time points were limited and inconclusive. No randomised controlled trials evaluated the effect of different types of interventions for symptomatic patients with symptomatic FAI.

Conclusions

People with symptomatic FAI demonstrate impairments in some hip muscle strength and single leg balance. This information may assist therapists in providing targeted rehabilitation programmes for people with FAI and associated pathology. Further research is needed to determine whether symptomatic FAI affects other aspects of functional performance; and to evaluate whether targeted interventions are effective in symptomatic FAI.

Clinical relevance

This information may assist therapists in providing targeted rehabilitation programmes for people with symptomatic FAI.

The Horsens-Aarhus Femoro Acetabular Impingement (HAFAI) cohort: outcome of arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement. Protocol for a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

During the past decade, it has become increasingly more common to offer hip arthroscopic surgery when treating people with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Nevertheless, the latest reviews conclude that it still remains to be properly investigated how surgery affects the patients. Specifically, detailed information on the functional, muscular and mechanical impact of surgery in larger groups is lacking. Furthermore, the long-term outcome of the surgery is still to be investigated.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this prospective cohort study, a total of 60 patients with FAI scheduled for arthroscopic surgery will be followed and tested preoperatively, and again after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Assessment includes isokinetic dynamometry evaluating hip flexion and extension; evaluation of functional capacity in a three-dimensional motion laboratory; pain assessment; self-reported function, quality of life, expectation and satisfaction with the surgery; recording of previous and present sporting activities and accelerometry. In addition, data on surgical procedure, rehabilitation progress, adverse events and failure will be recorded. Patients will be compared with an age-matched and gender-matched reference group of 30 persons with no hip, knee, ankle or back problems. Long-term follow-up of this cohort may evaluate possible reoperations and development of hip osteoarthritis. Furthermore, analysis on how subgroups respond to the treatment could be performed together with identification of possible "non-responders".

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study is approved by the Central Denmark Region Committee on Biomedical Research Ethics (Journal No 1-10-72-239-14). The results from this study will be presented at national and international congresses and published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02306525.

The maximum tolerated dose of walking for people with severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a phase I trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine how much physical activity, in the form of walking, can be safely and feasibly tolerated for people with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

Phase I dose response trial with escalating walking doses of 10, 20, 35, 50, 70, and 95 min over 1 week, were prescribed non-randomly to people with severe knee OA. The primary stopping rule was a substantial increase in knee pain. The primary outcomes were an estimation of the maximum tolerated dose of walking; and the proportion of people who did not complete the dose for feasibility reasons. The secondary outcomes were pain, stiffness and activity limitation Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

RESULTS

Twenty-four participants (13 women) aged 53-83 years, and average body mass index (BMI) of 34 kg/m(2) (SD 9) were recruited. Three participants were assigned to each dose between 10 and 70 min, and nine participants assigned to the 95-min dose. The trial was stopped at 95 min due to the maximum number of adverse events occurring at this dose. Therefore, the maximum tolerated dose was 70 min. No participant stopped due to reasons related to feasibility. There was a moderate association between dose and increased activity (linear R(2) = 0.31, cubic R(2) = 0.69) and reduced stiffness (linear R(2) = 0.20, cubic R(2) = 0.52), with increased benefits at moderate to higher doses.

CONCLUSIONS

There is preliminary evidence that 70 min per week of moderate intensity supervised walking was safe and feasible for people with severe OA of the knee; for higher doses there was a risk of exacerbating knee pain levels.

What proportion of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis meet physical activity guidelines? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the proportion of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis that meet physical activity guidelines recommended for adults and older adults.

METHOD

Systematic review with meta-analysis of studies measuring physical activity of participants with hip and knee osteoarthritis using an activity monitor. Physical activity levels were calculated using the mean average [95% confidence interval (CI)] weighted according to sample size. Meta-analyses determined the proportion of people meeting physical activity guidelines and recommendations of (1) ≥150 min per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in bouts of ≥10 min; (2) ≥150 min per week of MVPA in absence of bouts; (3) ≥10,000 steps per day and ≥7000 steps per day. The Grades of Research, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to determine the quality of the evidence.

RESULTS

For knee osteoarthritis, 21 studies involving 3266 participants averaged 50 min per week (95% CI = 46, 55) of MVPA when measured in bouts of ≥10 min, 131 min per week (95% CI = 125, 137) of MVPA, and 7753 daily steps (95% CI = 7582, 7924). Proportion meta-analyses provided high quality evidence that 13% (95% CI = 7, 20) completed ≥150 min per week of MVPA in bouts of ≥10 min, low quality evidence that 41% (95% CI = 23, 61) completed ≥150 min per week of MVPA in absence of bouts, moderate quality evidence that 19% (95% CI = 8, 33) completed ≥10,000 steps per day, and low quality evidence that 48% (95% CI = 31, 65) completed ≥7000 steps per day. For hip osteoarthritis, 11 studies involving 325 participants averaged 160 min per week (95% CI = 114, 216) of MVPA when measured in bouts of ≥10 min, 189 min per week (95% CI = 166, 212) of MVPA, and 8174 daily steps (95% CI = 7670, 8678). Proportion meta-analyses provided low quality evidence that 58% (95% CI = 18, 92) completed ≥150 min per week of MVPA in absence of bouts, low quality evidence that 30% (95% CI = 13, 50) completed ≥10,000 steps per day, and low quality evidence that 60% (95% CI = 47, 73) completed ≥7000 steps per day.

CONCLUSION

A small to moderate proportion of people with knee and hip osteoarthritis met physical activity guidelines and recommended daily steps. Future research should establish the effects of increasing physical activity in this population to meet the current physical activity guidelines.

Clinical outcomes assessment in clinical trials to assess treatment of femoroacetabular impingement: use of patient-reported outcome measures

Patient-reported outcome measures are an important component of outcomes assessment in clinical trials to assess the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This review of disease-specific measures and instruments used to assess the generic quality of life and physical activity levels of patients with FAI found no conclusive evidence to support a single disease-specific questionnaire. Using a systematic review of study methodology, the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score and the 33-item International Hip Outcome Tool scored the best. Nevertheless, both of these instruments were developed recently and have not been established in the literature. Although currently used generic and activity-level measures have limitations, as well, they should be considered, depending on the specific goals of the study. Additional research is needed to assess the properties of these measures fully when used to evaluate patients with FAI.