Effects of Multicomponent Home-Based Intervention on Muscle Composition, Fitness and Bone Density after Hip Fracture

Abstract Background Mechanistic factors on the pathway to improving independent ambulatory ability among hip fracture patients by a multicomponent home-based physical therapy intervention that emphasized aerobic, strength, balance, and functional training are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two different home-based physical therapy programs on muscle area and attenuation (reflects muscle density) of the lower extremities, bone mineral density, and aerobic capacity. Methods Randomized controlled trial of home-based 16 weeks of strength, endurance, balance, and function exercises (PUSH, n=19) compared to seated active range-of-motion exercises and transcutaneous electrical neuro-stimulation (PULSE, n=18) in community-dwelling adults >60 years of age within 26 weeks of hip fracture. Results In PUSH and PULSE groups combined, the fractured leg had lower muscle area and muscle attenuation and higher subcutaneous fat than the non-fractured leg (P<0.001) at baseline. At 16-weeks, mean muscle area of the fractured leg was higher in the PUSH than PULSE group (P=0.04). Changes in muscle area were not significantly different when compared to the comparative PULSE group. There was a clinically relevant difference in change in femoral neck BMD between groups (P=0.05) that showed an increase after PULSE and decrease after PUSH. There were generally no between-group differences in mean VO2peak tests at 16-week follow-up, except the PUSH group reached a higher max incline (P=0.04). Conclusions The treatment effects of a multicomponent home-based physical therapy intervention on muscle composition, BMD, and aerobic capacity were not significantly different than an active control intervention in older adults recovering from hip fracture.