The broad aim of the study is to develop a predictive model equation specifically aimed at estimating 6MWT performance at three-month following hip arthroplasty.
Prospective analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial with 58 participants who underwent unilateral hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture. All the study participants received three-phase structured rehabilitation protocol for 12 weeks duration. Clinical variables of hip flexion & abduction mobility in degrees, isometric muscle strength of quadriceps & gluteus medius in kilograms and 6MWT at 3 months following hip arthroplasty were collected and analyzed.
Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the interaction between variables in predicting 6MWT.The strong predictors of 6MWT are hip flexion mobility and isometric quadriceps muscle strength (r2 = 0.60, p 0.001) at the third month following hip arthroplasty. The predictors identified explained 60% of the variance in six-minute walk distance.
The derived predictor model of six-minute walk distance in hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture requires isometric quadriceps muscle strength in kilograms and hip joint flexion mobility in degrees. This model further requires evaluation for its validity and reliability in clinical set-up.
The derived predictor model is applicable in clinical setups practicing hip arthroplasty rehabilitation. The clinical variables are readily measured and cost-effective. This model can predict the functional capacity providing a valuable tool for monitoring patient progression.
six-minute walk test
predictors
