A randomized controlled trial: preoperative home-based combined Tai Chi and Strength Training (TCST) to improve balance and aerobic capacity in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA)

Objectives: To investigate the effect of a 12-week balance training program, combined TCST, on balance activity and aerobic capacity in patients with hip osteoarthritis.

Methods: Single-blind randomized grouping cohort study was conducted at our hospital from December 2008 to December 2011. A total of 81 patients aged from 60 to 69 years old diagnosed with end-stage hip osteoarthritis were recruited. They were randomly divided into two groups: training group (TG) and control group (CG). Participants in TG should do the TCST program under family's supervision for 12 weeks. Parameters including WOMAC score, 6 min walk test, stand up, walk test, situation of the hip mobility were compared between TG and CG by one-way ANOVA.

Results: There was no significant difference of baseline characteristics between these two groups (P>0.05). Participants in TG could complete 87.1% of movements of TCST. After training, the distance of 6-min walk was obviously increased from 409.59±51.31 m to 478.10±52.46 m (P<0.01), and the time for up and go was significantly shorten from 18.53±3.90 s to 14.61±2.60 s (P<0.01), and self-reported functional status scores evaluated by WOMAC was improved from 40.97±5.65 to 36.28±5.11 (P<0.01). However, there were no significant changes in pain WOMAC and side hip motion.

Conclusion: The 12-week TCST program have good adherence, and can effectively improve balance and aerobic capacity status in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis, while this training can not effectively alleviate the pain and improve hip motion of patients. Hence, further THA is necessary to solve the problems.

Practice: Patients with osteoarthritis can do this training program under family's supervision.

Implications: Providing a good advice on rehabilitation for patients preparing to do THA.