Evaluation of the impact of treadmill training on gait parameters in patients after hip joint arthroplasty

Introduction. Hip joint arthroplasty is an effective treatment method for advanced osteoarthritis. An essential element of post-surgical rehabilitation is gait re-education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of treadmill-based therapy on gait parameters in patients after hip joint arthroplasty. Material and methods. The study included 30 patients (16 female, 14 male) after hip joint arthroplasty, with a mean age of 67.57 ± 8.97 years, who underwent treadmill gait training using the Biodex Gait Trainer 3 for three weeks. Pain intensity, range of motion of the operated hip joints, and patients' motor efficiency were assessed. Gait parameters were measured using the Biodex Gait Trainer 3 treadmill. Results. After the applied therapy, a statistically significant reduction in pain was observed according to the VAS scale, along with an improvement in the flexion range of the operated joint and a decrease in fall risk. Gait parameter analysis on the treadmill revealed increased walking distance, gait speed, step count, and an increase in average step length. Conclusions. Gait training using the Biodex Gait Trainer 3 treadmill is a useful method for gait re-education in patients with hip joint endoprosthesis. The applied therapy reduced pain symptoms and improved the range of motion of the operated joint. The conducted training decreased the risk of falls and positively influenced all gait parameters.