Changes in Postural Stability and Balance Confidence in People After Elective Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common surgery that eases pain, restores functional movement, and improves the overall quality of life in people with severe hip osteoarthritis (OA). Unfortunately, problems with postural stability, commonly known as balance, are still noticed in people even years after the surgery. These postural stability problems typically result in falls. The aim of the proposed study is to investigate how THA surgery affects a person's overall quality of life, both physically and psychologically, in terms of postural stability and balance confidence (self-efficacy) within the first three months after THA for osteoarthritis. This prospective cohort study will focus on people over 60 years old.
• ≥ 60 years of age, scheduled to receive an elective unilateral THA (DA or DL approach) for OA
• Ambulatory for a minimum of 10 meters with or without a mobility aid but without the assistance of another person
• Able to read, write and speak English
• Able to provide consent