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.
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