Adherence
Early postoperative unilateral progressive resistance training (initiated by Day 7) significantly reduces hospital length of stay and increases quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area and strength in elderly hip surgery patients compared to standard rehabilitation.
For elderly patients recovering from hip surgery, starting progressive resistance training (3 days/week) as early as one week post-op significantly shortens hospital stays and rebuilds muscle mass. Start with light loads (50% of max) and progressively increase weight every few weeks under supervision. This is safer and more effective than standard walking and basic exercises alone.
Mean (± standard error) LOS was shorter for the resistance training group (10.0 ± 2.4 days, P<.05) than for the standard rehabilitation group (16.0 ± 7.2 days)... Resistance training, but not electrical stimulation or standard rehabilitation, resulted in increased CSA (12%, P<.05) and muscle strength (22–28%, P<.05).
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with blinding of outcome assessors and staff, though sample size is small (n=36).
Source
Resistance Training in the Early Postoperative Phase Reduces Hospitalization and Leads to Muscle Hypertrophy in Elderly Hip Surgery Patients—A Controlled, Randomized Study
Charlotte Suetta et al. · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2004
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