Effect of a 10 week training program with a novel training device in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip (AOH) or after total hip replacement on health-related quality of life

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 10-week training program with a novel training device on health-related quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis of the hip (OAH) or after total hip replacement. One group (n=30) took part in a weekly exercise program and was also told to use the special training device at home. The other group (n=29) received no intervention. Before and after the training period, participants had to fill out the SF-36 Health Survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Effect size of the intervention and a comparison to the German norm population was computed. Whereas the control group showed no differences in the ratings on the SF-36, the training group improved with regard to Vitality (epsilon=0.5), Bodily Pain (epsilon=0.4) and General Health (epsilon =0.4). In comparison to the German norm population, participants had lower score values in all physical ratings whereas there were almost no differences in Social Functioning, Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health. After 10 weeks of training, the Vitality of the training group increased to levels higher than the German norm population (z=0.2). Results of the investigation show a clinicallyrelevant improvement in health-related quality of life after 10-week intervention with the novel training device.