BACKGROUND: The objective of this meta-analysis was aimed to illustrate the functional outcomes of exercise for total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. METHODS: In July, 2018, a systematic computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google database. Data on exercise for functional outcomes for THA patients were retrieved. The primary endpoint was walking speed. Other outcomes included physical activity scale, Harris hip score, pain scores, abduction strength, and the length of hospital stay. After testing for publication bias and heterogeneity between studies, data were aggregated for random-effects models when necessary. RESULTS: Ten clinical studies with 441 patients were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, exercise was associated with an increase of the walking speed by 0.15 m/s than control group (weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.22; p = 0.000). Also, exercise group could also increase Harris hip score (WMD 8.49; 95% CI 5.19 to 11.78; p = 0.000) and abduction strength than control group (WMD 9.75; 95% CI 5.33 to 14.17; p = 0.000). What is more, exercise has a beneficial role in reducing the pain scores (WMD -1.32; 95% CI -2.07 to -0.57; p = 0.001) and the length of hospital stay (WMD -0.68; 95% CI -1.07 to -0.29; p = 0.001) than the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the physical activity scale (WMD -2.13; 95% CI -6.31 to 2.05; p = 0.317). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with control group in the management of THA, postoperative exercise has a better pain relief and clinical outcomes. Considering the beneficial of the postoperative exercise, we take a positive attitude toward use exercise for patients with THA.

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