Patient and physical therapists’ views on physical rehabilitation exercise in the early phase after total hip arthroplasty: a qualitative interview study
Creators: name: Madsen, Merete Nørgaard
name: Mikkelsen, Lone Ramer
name: Mark-Christensen, Troels
name: Christiansen, David Høyrup
name: Bandholm, Thomas
name: Tjørnhøj-Thomsen, Tine
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Medicine
subject: Immunology
subject: FOS: Clinical medicine
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Mental Health

description: Physical rehabilitation exercises (PRE) are commonly prescribed early after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the fundamental effectiveness of PRE has been questioned. As little is known about stakeholder perceptions of PRE, the aim was to explore patients’ and physical therapists’ perceptions of using PRE in the early period after THA. A qualitative interview study was conducted. Using a semi-structured interview guide, a focus group interview with six physical therapists and individual phone interviews with 18 patients were completed. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed applying a reflexive thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: “Regaining everyday life,” “Sense of security — trusting the health professionals,” “Seeing the whole person — one size does not fit all,” and “A pathway without PRE is risky.” PRE was perceived to play an essential role in the early postoperative phase and a stratified, individual approach was requested. PRE was considered a means to regain everyday life and improve mental and physical recovery as well as mitigate complications. Guidance from physical therapists providing PRE was highlighted to enhance the patients’ sense of security. Both patients and physical therapists were concerned that a pathway without PRE would lead to poorer patient outcomes. Physical rehabilitation exercise early after total hip arthroplasty is perceived by both patients and physical therapists as essential and a means for patients to achieve their overall goal of regaining everyday life.Individually tailored content and organization of physical rehabilitation exercise is suggested to accommodate each patient’s needs and preferences, and to target their specific activity and rehabilitation goals.Biopsychosocial factors, such as age, physical status and exercise experiences, mental resources, support from relatives, occupational status, and preference of exercising with others or independently, should be considered in the planning and managing of tailored physical rehabilitation exercise.Including guidance from and possibility to contact physical therapists in the physical rehabilitation pathway can enhance patient sense of security. Physical rehabilitation exercise early after total hip arthroplasty is perceived by both patients and physical therapists as essential and a means for patients to achieve their overall goal of regaining everyday life. Individually tailored content and organization of physical rehabilitation exercise is suggested to accommodate each patient’s needs and preferences, and to target their specific activity and rehabilitation goals. Biopsychosocial factors, such as age, physical status and exercise experiences, mental resources, support from relatives, occupational status, and preference of exercising with others or independently, should be considered in the planning and managing of tailored physical rehabilitation exercise. Including guidance from and possibility to contact physical therapists in the physical rehabilitation pathway can enhance patient sense of security.