Total hip arthroplasty rehabilitation through a mobile application: a retrospective observational study

Abstract

Introduction:

Postoperative rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty is important for optimising functional recovery and pain relief. This study compares a mobile application providing functional recovery exercises and pain management education with in-person physical therapy in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted with 2 cohorts (n = 94) matched using propensity score matching. The App group (n = 47) used a mobile app for postoperative follow-up, while the control group (n = 47) received conventional follow-up. Functional outcomes (Harris Hip Score [HHS], Merle D'Aubigné [MDP], WOMAC) and pain intensity (visual analogue scale [VAS]) were assessed preoperatively, at one month, and 3 months post-intervention.

Results:

Both groups showed significant improvements in all measurements compared to preoperative values. However, the App group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in the following outcome: HHS at 3 months (P = 0.02), improved MDP mobility (P = 0.02) and walking ability (P < 0.0001), and lower VAS pain scores at one month (P = 0.004) and 3 months (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:

The mobile app program with recovery exercises and pain management is more effective than in-person physiotherapy in improving function and reducing pain after total hip arthroplasty.

Registration:

The study was registered with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the number: NCT06606158. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06606158