• Ching-Fen Chang, Kuan-Chia Lin, Wei-Ming Chen, Sui-Whi Jane, Shu-Hui Yeh, and Tsae-Jyy Wang.
• 1PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences 2PhD, Professor, Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, Community Research Center, National Yang-Ming University 3MD, Chief, Adult Joint Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and Professor and Chairman, Orthopaedic Department, National Yang-Ming University 4PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, and Associate Research Fellow, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital 5PhD, RN, Professor, Institute of Long-term Care, Mackay Medical College 6PhD, RN, Professor, Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences.
• J Nurs Res. 2017 Feb 1; 25 (1): 21-30.

BackgroundPostoperative exercise rehabilitation helps patients recover normal joint functions after total hip arthroplasty (total hip replacement surgery or THR) by strengthening the muscles that surround the replaced hip joint. However, the high cost of professionally supervised exercise rehabilitation programs limits access to program participation and, thus, to optimal recovery of normal joint functions. Therefore, the development of an effective home-based, self-monitored exercise rehabilitation program is critical to promote the optimal recovery of THR patients.PurposeThis study tests the efficacy of a home-based resistance-band exercise program on mobility, functional exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life in THR patients.MethodsThis study uses a preexperimental repeated measures design. A convenience sample of 30 patients who underwent total hip replacement for osteoarthritis was recruited. All patients participated in a 12-week home-based resistance training program. Data were collected at baseline and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperation on the following dimensions: up-and-go time, timed walking distance, and quality of life. In addition, intervention-related adverse events and the exercise adherence rate were monitored. Generalized estimation equations were used to analyze changes in the outcome variables across time.ResultsThe study included 21 women and nine men. The mean age of the participants was 67.9 years (SD = 8.1 years, range = 55-86 years). Results of the generalized estimation equations showed a statistically significant time effect for up-and-go time, 6-minute walking distance, and health-related quality of life. After 12 weeks of training, the participants' up-and-go time decreased 40.33% from the baseline measurements, with a mean change of 6.38 seconds (p < .001). The 6-minute walking distance increased 41.34%, with a mean change of 117.12 meters (p < .001). The score for health-related quality of life decreased 78.94%, with a mean change of 39.10 (p < .001). The average exercise adherence rate was 72.63%. The average score for the feasibility of the intervention was 8.8 (range = 6-10).Conclusions/Implications For PracticeThe results of this study support the hypothesis that a home-based resistance training program is safe, feasible, and effective for improving the mobility, functional exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life of THR patients. Considering the low cost and convenience of a home-based resistance training program, health professionals should consider this and similar exercise programs when providing guidance to THR patients.

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