OBJECTIVE: To determine whether arm and upper body exercises in addition to the standard rehabilitation programme improve outcomes after hip arthroplasty. DESIGN: Prospective, parallel, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Orthopaedic and rehabilitation departments. SUBJECTS: A total of 70 patients > 60years of age, who underwent hip replacement, out of 98 eligible candidates after exclusion criteria were implemented. INTERVENTIONS: The study group took part in the supplementary arm and upper body exercise programme to be compared with the standard rehabilitation programme group. MAIN OUTCOME: The primary outcome was a Harris Hip Score. Secondary outcomes were: hand grip strength and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively, two weeks after surgery and at 12 weeks follow-up. RESULTS: In the intervention group, significant improvements were found: in functional ability -- Harris Hip Score after two (mean difference 4.7points) and 12 (mean difference 5.85points) weeks; in muscle strength -- handgrip for both hands (mean difference for dominant hand 4.16 and for the other hand 2.8) after 12 weeks; and in role-physical dimension SF-36 Health Survey (mean difference 6.42 points) after 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that arm and upper body exercises in addition to the standard rehabilitation programme improve outcomes 12 weeks after hip arthroplasty.

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