INTRODUCTION: This randomised study evaluates the effect of intensive physical therapy on the duration of rehabilitation following hip fracture. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients transferred for rehabilitation after surgical treatment for hip fracture were included in the trial. Forty-four patients were randomised to physical therapy 3.6 hours (median) a week, while the 44 control patients received physical therapy 1.9 hours a week. Outcome was defined as duration of physical rehabilitation until the patient was able to (1) walk 50 metres in less than 2 minutes, (2) manage stair climbing to the first floor, (3) manage sit-to-stand transfer, (4) move in and out of bed, (5) manage bathing, dressing and lavatory visits. RESULTS: In the group randomised to intensive physical therapy 24 patients withdrew after 15 days while 13 patients withdrew from the control group after 22 days (median values). Early withdrawal was due to orthopaedic complications, general weakness and poor co-operation. No difference between the two groups was demonstrated in the duration of physical rehabilitation by a per protocol analysis of the patients who completed the trial. DISCUSSION: The considerable drop-out rate suggests that intensive physical therapy may be of limited value when attempting to reduce the duration of rehabilitation following hip fracture. An altered objective including enhanced out-patient rehabilitation may be necessary in order to reduce the length of hospital stay after hip fracture.

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