Prehabilitation in Older People Undergoing Total Hip Replacement

NCT ID: NCT07048080

Last Updated: 2025-07-02

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 70 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-08-31
• Study Completion Date: 2029-03-31

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effect of Resistance Exercise Training (RET)-based (p)rehabilitation versus usual care on skeletal muscle mass and function, as well as on underlying biological processes, in older adults undergoing elective Total Hip Replacement (THR) due to severe Osteoarthritis (OA). The main questions it aims to answer are:

• What is the effects of RET-based (p)rehabilitation versus usual care to improve muscle mass and function in patients undergoing elective unilateral THR surgery for end-stage OA?
• What is the potential of certain circulating biomarkers to predict the efficacy of the musculoskeletal system response to RET in patients with severe OA? Researchers will compare RET-based (p)rehabilitation versus usual care to see if RET works to increase skeletal muscle mass and function.

Participants in the usual care group will undergo standard rehabilitation (12 weeks post-surgery), and participants in the (p)rehabilitation group will undergo RET-based full-body (p)rehabilitation (3x/week) for 2 weeks pre-surgery and 12 weeks post-surgery.

Detailed Description

Introduction: Due to age, patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) experience a loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity both before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Progressive resistance exercise training (RET) is a safe and feasible intervention before and after THA. However, the physiological and clinical effects have not been investigated on a larger scale.

Objectives: To determine the effect of RET-based (p)rehabilitation versus usual care on skeletal muscle mass and function, as well as on underlying biological processes, in older adults undergoing elective THA due to severe OA.

Materials and Methods: Seventy older adults scheduled for elective unilateral THA due to severe primary OA (usual care group: n=35, ≥60 years; (p)rehabilitation group: n=35, ≥60 years) will be included in this single-blind randomized controlled trial. Participants in the usual care group will undergo standard rehabilitation (12 weeks post-surgery), and participants in the (p)rehabilitation group will undergo RET-based full-body (p)rehabilitation (3x/week) for 2 weeks pre-surgery and 12 weeks post-surgery. MRI scans of the thigh will be taken at baseline, 24 hours before, and 12 weeks after surgery to assess the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps. On the same days, blood and muscle samples will be collected, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) will be performed. Maximum strength, muscle function/morphology, physical capacity, quality of life, performance in activities of daily living, physical activity level, hip function, nutritional status, and cognitive status will also be assessed. The occurrence of serious adverse events, hospital readmissions, infections, and complications will be considered.

In a sub-study, 20 participants (n=10 from the usual care group and n=10 from the (p)rehabilitation group) will be included to investigate the effects of 2 weeks of (p)rehabilitation on tissue protein synthesis rates. A 2-week deuterium oxide (²H₂O or "heavy water") loading protocol will be implemented in both groups during the two weeks prior to THA to assess musculoskeletal tissue protein synthesis rates. This method allows for the evaluation of the protein synthesis rate in muscle, cartilage, and bone tissue when samples are collected two weeks after the (p)rehabilitation or usual care interventions. These tissues will be collected during surgery, so no additional procedures are required from participants. In addition to determining the effects of RET on protein synthesis rates in tissues relevant to musculoskeletal health, the association between protein synthesis rates and long-term clinical outcomes will also be explored.

Expected Results: It is hypothesized that 14 weeks (2 weeks pre- and 12 weeks post-surgery) of progressive RET-based (p)rehabilitation will increase muscle mass and function to a greater extent than usual care, which is based on mobility and strength exercises without progressive machine-based RET. Additionally, RET will induce an increase in protein synthesis rates in muscle, cartilage, and bone tissues through the activation/inhibition of established signaling pathway markers (Akt, mTOR, S6(K), 4E-BP1, MAFbx, MuRF1). Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the increase in protein synthesis rate in these tissues will be associated with specific circulating biomarkers of musculoskeletal health (including CTX-II, COMP, CTX-I, OC, PIIINP, S1) and will indicate gains in muscle mass and functional improvements in the progressive RET group compared to the usual care group.

These findings will define the efficacy of progressive RET-based rehabilitation in increasing muscle mass and clinical outcomes in older adults with severe hip OA undergoing THA. Better maintenance or even increases in muscle mass and strength enhance independence, prolong health, aid recovery from illness, and reduce the burden on healthcare services. This information will have a beneficial impact on the fields of exercise physiology, orthopedics, and aging for future interventions at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Conditions

Hip Replacement in Osteoarthritis Patients; Osteoarthritis, Hip

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

(P)rehabilitation Group

Participants assigned to the (p)rehabilitation group will perform a supervised Progressive Resistance Exercise Training 2 week program for the whole body three times per week before total hip replacement surgery and for 12 weeks after. In a sub-study, the first 10 participants of (P)rehabilitation group will be included to study the effects of 2 weeks prehabilitation on tissue protein synthesis rates. A two-week deuterium oxide (2H2O or 'heavy water') loading protocol will be conducted during the two week before THR surgery to assess diurnal rates of musculoskeletal protein synthesis.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

(P)rehabilitation Progresive Resistance Exercise Training

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

The (p)rehabilitation intervention program will be based on supervised whole-body RET performed 3 times/week before (2-week) and up to 12 weeks after surgery, with one day in-between sessions. Training will consist of a 10-min warm-up, followed by one warm-up and 4 sets on leg press, leg-extension and leg abductor machines. Upper body exercises (chest press, lat pulldown and horizontal row will be performed with 2 sets of each exercise. During the 2-week training before surgery, the workload will be increased from 70% (week 1) to 80% (week 2) of 1RM (10 repetitions in each set). After surgery, the workload will be increasing from 50% of 1RM to 80% from the last 6 weeks. All the participants included in the per-protocol analysis must complete at least 80% of the training sessions. We will take into consideration the mobility precautions so as not to dislocate the prosthesis (avoid hip flexion of 90 degrees and more; do not perform adduction exercises and hip rotations).

Prehabilitation Group Deuterated Water

Intervention Type: BIOLOGICAL

In a sub-study, the first 10 participants of the (P)rehabilitation group will be included to study the effects of 2 weeks prehabilitation on tissue protein synthesis rates. A two-week deuterium oxide (2H2O or 'heavy water') loading protocol will be conducted during the two week before THR surgery to assess diurnal rates of musculoskeletal protein synthesis. This 2H2O method enables the assessment of muscle, cartilage and bone tissue protein synthesis rates when tissue samples are collected after the 2 weeks of prehabilitation.

Usual Care Group

Participants assigned to the control group will receive the usual therapy, medical monitoring, and educational lectures after surgery. No intervention is planned before total hip replacement surgery. In a sub-study, the first 10 participants of Usual Care group will be included to study the effects of 2 weeks prehabilitation on tissue protein synthesis rates. A two-week deuterium oxide (2H2O or 'heavy water') loading protocol will be conducted during the two week before THR surgery to assess diurnal rates of musculoskeletal protein synthesis.

Group Type: OTHER

Usual Care Group Deuterated Water

Intervention Type: BIOLOGICAL

In a sub-study, the first 10 participants of the Usual Care group will be included to study the effects of 2 weeks prehabilitation on tissue protein synthesis rates. A two-week deuterium oxide (2H2O or 'heavy water') loading protocol will be conducted during the two week before THR surgery to assess diurnal rates of musculoskeletal protein synthesis. This 2H2O method enables the assessment of muscle, cartilage and bone tissue protein synthesis rates when tissue samples are collected after the 2 weeks of usual care.

Usual Care

Intervention Type: OTHER

Participants assigned to the usual care group will receive the usual therapy, medical monitoring, and educational lectures after surgery. No intervention is planned before total hip replacement surgery. The patient is hospitalized for surgery. At hospital discharge, the usual care group will start with standard rehabilitation (sessions: 1st month, 2-3x/week, 2nd month 1-2x/week and 3rd month 1x/month) based on mobility and strength exercises without using progressive RET with machines until 3 months after surgery.

Interventions

(P)rehabilitation Progresive Resistance Exercise Training

The (p)rehabilitation intervention program will be based on supervised whole-body RET performed 3 times/week before (2-week) and up to 12 weeks after surgery, with one day in-between sessions. Training will consist of a 10-min warm-up, followed by one warm-up and 4 sets on leg press, leg-extension and leg abductor machines. Upper body exercises (chest press, lat pulldown and horizontal row will be performed with 2 sets of each exercise. During the 2-week training before surgery, the workload will be increased from 70% (week 1) to 80% (week 2) of 1RM (10 repetitions in each set). After surgery, the workload will be increasing from 50% of 1RM to 80% from the last 6 weeks. All the participants included in the per-protocol analysis must complete at least 80% of the training sessions. We will take into consideration the mobility precautions so as not to dislocate the prosthesis (avoid hip flexion of 90 degrees and more; do not perform adduction exercises and hip rotations).

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Prehabilitation Group Deuterated Water

In a sub-study, the first 10 participants of the (P)rehabilitation group will be included to study the effects of 2 weeks prehabilitation on tissue protein synthesis rates. A two-week deuterium oxide (2H2O or 'heavy water') loading protocol will be conducted during the two week before THR surgery to assess diurnal rates of musculoskeletal protein synthesis. This 2H2O method enables the assessment of muscle, cartilage and bone tissue protein synthesis rates when tissue samples are collected after the 2 weeks of prehabilitation.

Intervention Type: BIOLOGICAL

Usual Care Group Deuterated Water

In a sub-study, the first 10 participants of the Usual Care group will be included to study the effects of 2 weeks prehabilitation on tissue protein synthesis rates. A two-week deuterium oxide (2H2O or 'heavy water') loading protocol will be conducted during the two week before THR surgery to assess diurnal rates of musculoskeletal protein synthesis. This 2H2O method enables the assessment of muscle, cartilage and bone tissue protein synthesis rates when tissue samples are collected after the 2 weeks of usual care.

Intervention Type: BIOLOGICAL

Usual Care

Participants assigned to the usual care group will receive the usual therapy, medical monitoring, and educational lectures after surgery. No intervention is planned before total hip replacement surgery. The patient is hospitalized for surgery. At hospital discharge, the usual care group will start with standard rehabilitation (sessions: 1st month, 2-3x/week, 2nd month 1-2x/week and 3rd month 1x/month) based on mobility and strength exercises without using progressive RET with machines until 3 months after surgery.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Individuals aged from 60 y and over.
• 18.5 < BMI < 40 kg/m2.
• Individuals on waiting list to undergo a unilateral elective surgery for Total Hip Replacement due to primary severe Osteoarthritis.

Exclusion Criteria

• Individuals with severe OA in the contralateral hip.
• Individuals who has been performing regular RET (2 or more times per week) in the previous 6 months.
• Individuals who smoke.
• Significant psychiatric or neurological disorders, with the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and untreated mood disorders or depressive pathology.
• Neuromuscular or mobility disorders that prevent safe resistance training (debilitating arthritis, spasticity/rigidity, and paralysis), along with untreated metabolic disorders (such as uncontrolled systemic hypertension).

• Minimum Eligible Age: 60 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Universidad de La Frontera

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Gabriel Nasri Marzuca-Nassr

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Universidad de La Frontera

Temuco, Cautin, Chile

Countries

Chile

Central Contacts

Gabriel N Marzuca Nassr, PhD

Role: CONTACT

gabriel.marzuca@ufrontera.cl

+56996343630 ext. +56 45 2596713

Facility Contacts

Gabriel N Marzuca Nassr, PhD.

Role: primary

gabriel.marzuca@ufrontera.cl

+56 9 96343630 ext. +56 45 2596713

Other Identifiers

FONDECYT 1251133

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id