ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of different daily lengths of physical training on postoperative walking ability and functional performance among elderly inpatients following hip fracture. Fifty-eight eligible elderly patients (mean age 81 years, SD 8) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after fall-related hip fracture were randomized to receive either 2 units (40 minutes in 29 patients) or 6 units (120 minutes in 29 patients) of daily physical training postoperatively. There were no significant differences in patients' age, preoperative walking ability, type of femoral neck fracture and preoperative QOL functional score (FIM, BI and EQ-5D). All patients commenced the same postoperative rehabilitation program immediately after surgery consisting of bed-side sitting, wheelchair mobilization and progressive muscle strengthening exercises on the second day, followed by weight-bearing exercises and walking between the second and the 14th day. All patients walked with a stick or a rollator at the time of discharge from the hospital after 4 weeks of inhospital rehabilitation. There was no significant difference in the BI, FIM and EQ-5D scores and walking ability between the two groups during 12 weeks postoperatively, however, medical expenses in the 2 units group were decreased by US$ 2,000. Postoperative rehabilitation of elderly patients with femoral neck fracture aims to return the patients to pre-injury conditions as early as possible. This can be achieved with the help of a 2 unit (40 minutes) a day training program.
