Weight-bearing asymmetry in individuals post-hip fracture during the sit to stand task

Abstract

Uninvolved side knee moments and powers were the largest contributors to asymmetrical vertical ground reaction force in participants post-hip fracture. The association of vertical ground reaction force variables and clinical measures of function suggesting reducing vertical ground reaction force asymmetry may contribute to higher levels of function post-hip fracture. Functional and strength training should target the involved knee to reduce vertical ground reaction force asymmetry.

Type of surgery is associated with pain and walking difficulties among older people with previous hip fracture

“…The mechanism for the occurrence of persistent pain after hip fracture might include restriction in weight bearing and disuse of the affected limb. Hip fracture decreases lower extremity muscle strength, especially in the fractured leg, which leads to asymmetrical muscle strength and power deficit . Shortening of the limb length and limitations in the range of motion have been reported to be more common after internal fixation than after arthroplasty.…”

“…Shortening of the limb length and limitations in the range of motion have been reported to be more common after internal fixation than after arthroplasty. In addition, hip fracture patients tend to compensate asymmetry between legs in the sit‐to‐stand task, by slowing down the speed, and by increasing the moments and power of the joints on the non‐fractured side, especially in the knee joint . Furthermore, this kind of overuse of the non‐fractured leg could induce pain on that side.…”

“…Hip fracture decreases lower extremity muscle strength, especially in the fractured leg, which leads to asymmetrical muscle strength and power deficit. 1,30,31 Shortening of the limb length and limitations in the range of motion have been reported to be more common after internal fixation 13 than after arthroplasty. In addition, hip fracture patients tend to compensate asymmetry between legs in the sitto-stand task, by slowing down the speed, and by increasing the moments and power of the joints on the non-fractured side, especially in the knee joint.…”

“…In addition, hip fracture patients tend to compensate asymmetry between legs in the sitto-stand task, by slowing down the speed, and by increasing the moments and power of the joints on the non-fractured side, especially in the knee joint. 30 Furthermore, this kind of overuse of the non-fractured leg could induce pain on that side. Lower body pain correlates with a decreased level of physical activity, 21 balance impairments, 32 and is a major cause of mobility limitation and disability in older people.…”

Asymmetry of lower extremity force and muscle activation during knee extension and functional tasks

“…Researchers and clinicians commonly use unilateral, open kinetic chain exercise tasks to assess strength and power asymmetry that do not represent functional movements, because they isolate a single joint action . Asymmetry comparisons using bilateral, functional, closed kinetic chain movements, such as a chair‐rise or vertical jump, may provide a more robust evaluation of lower extremity kinetics during everyday movements, yet their relation to dynamometer measures of asymmetry is not well understood …”