Study Overview:

• Publication Date: May 2024
• Research Timeline: Conducted from January 2021 to April 2023

This study compared the effects of Neuromuscular Exercise (NEMEX) and Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) on functional performance, pain, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Purpose of the Study:

The research aimed to determine whether PRT, known for its muscle-strengthening capabilities, was superior to NEMEX, which emphasizes sensorimotor control and functional stability, in improving outcomes for individuals with hip OA.

Participant Details:

• Population Studied:
  • 160 adults clinically diagnosed with hip OA.
  • Age: ≥45 years, mean age ~65 years.
  • Exclusion: Severe comorbidities, recent surgeries, or BMI >40 kg/m².
• Sample Distribution:
  • NEMEX group: 78 participants.
  • PRT group: 82 participants.

Intervention and Methods:

• Training Programs:
  • NEMEX: 10 exercises targeting postural stability and motor control, using elastic bands and body weight.
  • PRT: 5 high-intensity resistance exercises focusing on hip and knee muscles, following the repetition maximum principle.
• Duration: 12 weeks, with two 60-minute supervised sessions weekly.
• Outcome Measures:
  • Primary: 30-second chair stand test (30s-CST).
  • Secondary: Pain and QoL subscales of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS).

Key Findings:

• Functional Performance:
  • Both groups improved their 30s-CST scores by an average of 1.5 repetitions, with no significant between-group differences.
• Pain and Quality of Life:
  • Pain subscale: Mean improvement of 8.6 points for PRT and 9.3 points for NEMEX (difference: -0.7 points).
  • QoL subscale: Mean improvement of 8.0 points for PRT and 5.7 points for NEMEX (difference: 2.3 points).
• Adherence and Safety:
  • Adherence rates were high in both groups (82% for PRT, 85% for NEMEX).
  • Adverse events, including joint pain and muscle soreness, were minimal and comparable between groups.

Implications and Importance:

The findings suggest that NEMEX and PRT are equally effective for improving functional performance, pain relief, and QoL in hip OA patients. This highlights the flexibility of exercise prescriptions, allowing clinicians and patients to choose based on preference, resources, and goals.

Takeaway Message:

Neuromuscular and resistance training offer viable, evidence-based options for managing hip osteoarthritis. The choice between NEMEX and PRT can depend on individual needs, with both showing comparable benefits for functional and symptomatic improvements.

Reference for Further Reading:

Kjeldsen, T., Skou, S. T., Dalgas, U., et al. (2024). Progressive Resistance Training or Neuromuscular Exercise for Hip Osteoarthritis: A Multicenter Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 177(5), 573–582. https://doi.org/10.7326/M23-3225