Early recovery program after hip replacement
Effect of Early Rehabilitation on Functional Recovery After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study will test whether beginning physiotherapy with neuromuscular electrical stimulation and supervised telerehabilitation right after a hip replacement helps people aged 50–75 regain strength and function faster.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Niğde, Merkez) |
| Trial ID | NCT07550647 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing an early postoperative rehabilitation program plus neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and supervised telerehabilitation to standard postoperative care after unilateral total hip arthroplasty. The intervention starts on postoperative day one with daily in-hospital physiotherapy and NMES targeting the gluteus medius, then continues after discharge with a structured home exercise program supported by synchronous telerehabilitation sessions three times per week. Outcomes include functional performance measures, gait parameters, muscle-related changes, and quality of life assessed at predefined follow-up visits. Randomization is simple and participants must meet inclusion criteria such as age 50–75 and the ability to use telerehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50–75 undergoing a primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or developmental dysplasia who can use telerehabilitation and complete follow-up visits.
Not a fit: Patients with prior hip replacement, planned revision surgery, severe contralateral hip disease, major systemic illness, BMI over 35, or early postoperative complications are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could speed functional recovery, improve hip abductor strength and gait symmetry, and maintain rehabilitation continuity after discharge.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies suggest early rehab and NMES can improve muscle activation and short-term function, but combining NMES with structured telerehabilitation in the immediate postoperative phase remains relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled for unilateral total hip arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) * Aged between 50 and 75 years * Willing and able to participate in all follow-up assessments * Able to comply with assessment procedures * Able to meet the requirements of telerehabilitation * Undergoing surgery with a standardized surgical protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Previous history of total hip arthroplasty on either side * Planned revision total hip arthroplasty * Severe osteoarthritis in the contralateral hip * Presence of severe acute metabolic, neuromuscular, or cardiovascular disease * History of active malignancy * Presence of respiratory infection * Concomitant orthopedic conditions (e.g., lower extremity fractures, severe hip/knee deformities, lumbar or sacroiliac dysfunction) * Body mass index \>35 * Occurrence of postoperative complications (e.g., prosthetic infection, thromboembolic events, or conditions requiring reoperation)
Where this trial is running
Niğde, Merkez
- Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Education and Research Hospital — Niğde, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cansu Dal, Specialist Physiotherapist
- Email: ptcansudal@gmail.com
- Phone: +905379773071
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.