Early Maximal Strength Training Improves Leg Strength and Postural Stability in Elderly Following Hip Fracture Surgery

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures predominantly occur in the geriatric population and results in increased physical inactivity and reduced independency, largely influenced by a downward spiral of ambulatory capacity, related to loss of skeletal muscle strength and postural stability. Thus, effective postoperative treatment, targeting improvements in muscle strength, is sought after. MATERIALS & METHODS: Twenty-one hip fracture patients (>65 yr) were randomized to 8 weeks of either conventional physiotherapy control group (CG), or leg press and hip abduction maximal strength training (MST) 3 times per week. MST was performed applying heavy loads (85-90% of 1 repetition maximum; 1RM) and 4-5 repetitions in 4 sets. Maximal strength (bi- and unilateral 1RM), postural stability (unipedal stance test; UPS), and DEXA-scan bone mineral content/ density (BMC/BMD) were measured before and after the 8-week rehabilitation. RESULTS: Both MST and conventional physiotherapy improved bilateral leg press 1RM by 41 ± 27 kg and 29 ± 17 kg, respectively (both p < 0.01), while unilateral leg press 1RM only increased after MST (within group and between groups difference: both p < 0.05). MST also resulted in an increase in abduction 1RM in both the fractured (5 kg, 95%CI: 2-7; p < 0.01) and healthy limb (6 kg, 95%CI: 3-9; p < 0.01), while no such improvement was apparent in the CG (between groups difference: p < 0.01). Finally, MST improved UPS of the fractured limb (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in BMC or BMD following the 8 weeks. DISCUSSION: Early postoperative MST improved lower extremities maximal muscle strength more than conventional physiotherapy and was accompanied by improvements in postural stability. CONCLUSION: Implementing MST in early rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery should be considered as a relevant treatment to curtail the downward spiral of reduced ambulatory capacity typical for this patient group, possibly reducing the risk of recuring falls and excess mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03030092