Addition of aerobic training to conventional rehabilitation after hip fracture: a randomized, controlled, pilot feasibility study

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and safety of aerobic training with an arm crank ergometer and its effectiveness in improving functional capacity and gait in patients with recent hip fracture.

DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded pilot study, with intention-to-treat analysis.

SETTING: Inpatients, rehabilitation department.

SUBJECTS: 40 patients with hip fracture surgically treated.

INTERVENTIONS: Training group performed aerobic exercise with an arm crank ergometer (15 sessions, 30 minutes/day) at an intensity of 64% to 76% of maximum heart rate, in addition to conventional inpatient rehabilitation.

MAIN MEASURES: Primary outcome was the feasibility (including eligibility rate, recruitment rate, number of drop-outs and adverse events, adherence). Secondary measures were the Timed Up and Go test, ability to walk independently, muscle torque of knee extensors of fractured and non-fractured leg, Functional Independence Measure.

RESULTS: Mostly due to pre-existing disability and fracture type, only 40/301 (13%) patients were eligible (age 84.6 ± 7.6 years, 75% female); all agreed to participate and 90% completed the trial, without adverse events. Adherence to aerobic exercise was good, with high attendance at sessions (93%), a strong compliance to exercise duration (95%) but lower compliance to the prescribed intensity (73%). After the program, more patients were able to walk independently in the training group (n = 18) compared to control (n = 13) (P < 0.05). Also the muscle torque of fractured leg knee extensors was higher in the training group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Aerobic training in addition to conventional rehabilitation after a hip fracture is feasible and safe and it was effective in improving gait performance and strength of fractured leg.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04025866.