Effect of Multicomponent Home-Based Training on Gait and Muscle Strength in Older Adults After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Single Site Randomized Trial.
Mei Zhen Huang, Mark W Rogers, Douglas Pizac and 11 others
PMID 36087806WHAT IT FOUND
A targeted home exercise program did not improve walking speed more than an active control program in older adults after hip fracture surgery.
Both groups improved walking speed; targeted training improved non-fractured leg strength more.
Key findings
01In the analyzed trial, the primary gait-speed outcome showed no difference between the targeted and active-control groups.
02After the 16-week home programs, usual walking speed improved in both groups, and fast walking speed improved in the active-control group.
03Composite lower-limb strength on the non-fractured side improved more in the targeted group than in the active-control group.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The analyzed sample was smaller than the randomized sample, and some participants lacked both baseline and follow-up assessments. The study was a single-site ancillary trial with reduced power. Blinding was reported only for assessment staff. Both groups received supervised physical therapist contact, so natural recovery or contact may explain walking improvements. Interventions were multicomponent, so the effect of any single element cannot be separated. Cognitive testing was done only at baseline, so changes in cognition were not measured.
Declared interests
The supplied text does not include a conflicts-of-interest or funding declaration; the article metadata lists U.S. Government and NIH extramural research support.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the non-fractured strength gain as proof that targeted training improves walking. The primary gait-speed outcome showed no between-group difference, and both groups received supervised home physical therapy, so walking improvements may reflect time, contact, or recovery.