Effects of Electromyographic Biofeedback-Assisted Exercise on Functional Recovery and Quality of Life in Patients after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The goal of the trial was to examine the effects of adding electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) to the conventional program of physiotherapy after total hip arthroplasty (THA) on functional recovery and quality of life. The trial was designed as a prospective, interventional, single-blinded randomized controlled study. Ninety patients were randomized into an experimental group (EG) (n = 45; mean age 63.9 ± 8.8) and control group (CG) (n = 45; mean age 63.9 ± 9). All patients received 21 days of physiotherapy which consisted of therapeutic exercise (land-based and aquatic), electrotherapy, and education. Electromyographic biofeedback was added to a portion of the land-based exercise in EG. The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), use of a walking aid, 30 s chair stand test (CST) as well as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were used for outcome measurement. A higher proportion of the participants in both groups did not need a walking aid after the intervention (p < 0.05). All participants improved their 30 s CST and TUG results (p < 0.001), as well as their NRS and HOOS scores (p < 0.05). No significant differences between the groups were found. There were no additional benefits from adding EMG-BF to the conventional physiotherapy protocol.