Promising outcome of a hip school for patients with hip dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate, in an exploratory study, a hip school led by physical therapists for patients with hip dysfunction including pain.

Methods: Physicians in primary care and orthopedic units consecutively recruited patients by residential area to a treatment group (T group; n = 77) and a control group (C group; n = 68), mean age 61.8 years, 59 men, 86 women. Ninety-nine of the 145 subjects had radiologic hip osteoarthritis. Outcome measures were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).

Results: After hip school (6 months) the T group showed greater reduction on the subscales of pain and activity limitations (WOMAC) than the C group. The subscales sleep disturbances, pain, and physical mobility (NHP) showed improvement for the T group compared with at start. The results for the T group persisted after an additional 6 months.

Conclusion: A hip school may reduce pain and activity limitations and improve health-related quality of life for patients with hip dysfunction including pain.