| Objective To explore the effect of a stepwise balance training in elderly patients following total hip arthroplasty. Methods From January 2021 to June 2023, a total of 70 elderly patients following total hip arthroplasty in Taihe Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Anhui University of Chinese Medicine were recruited and randomly divided into the experimental group and control group according to the random number table method, with 35 cases in each group. The control group received routine nursing and postoperative rehabilitation training, while the experimental group was given stepwise balance training program based on the routine nursing care for 12 weeks. After intervention, the effect was assessed by Berg balance scale (BBS), Harris hip score (HHS) and Modified fall efficacy scale (MFES). Results The BBS scores between two groups showed a decreased first and then increased trend pre-and post-surgical treatment, whileHHS scores showed a increased trend, and the differences in time effects were statistically significant (P＜0.05); different intervention methods had different BBS and HHS scores, and the differences in group effects were statistically significant (P＜0.05); the differences in group-by-time interaction effects were statistically significant (P＜0.05). The MEFS scores changedover time,and different intervention methods had different MEFS scores; meanwhile, the interaction effects of MEFS scores between groups and time were statistically significant (P＜0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in BBS, HHS scores between the two groups at admission, first bedside standing, one day before discharge, andtwo weeks after operation (P＞0.05); the differences in MEFS scores between thetwo groups at admission had no statistically significant differences either (P＞0.05). At the time of admission, first bedside standing, one day before discharge, two weeks after operation, the BBS, HHS, MEFS scores in the experimental group were higher than thosein the control group, andthe differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). Conclusions Stepwise balance training program can effectively promote balance ability and hip function of elderly patients following total hip arthroplasty, and reduce the fear of falling. |
