Weight-bearing asymmetry during sit-to-stand following total hip arthroplasty: A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Individuals with hip osteoarthritis tend to offload their involved limb during sit-to-stand. However, it is unclear whether these weight-bearing asymmetries persist following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this scoping review was to map and summarize the evidence describing weight-bearing asymmetry during the sit-to-stand task among individuals who had undergone unilateral THA.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Health Source databases to identify studies examining weight-bearing asymmetry among individuals who had undergone THA. Studies were included if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal, included participants who had undergone primary unilateral THA, and examined bilateral ground reaction forces (i.e. “weight-bearing”) during sit-to-stand.

Results

Seven studies met the eligibility criteria for this scoping review. All seven studies examined weight-bearing asymmetry among participants who had undergone THA (ranging from 10 weeks to 19 months prior). Each of these studies found that participants who had undergone THA tended to place greater load on their uninvolved limb, compared to their involved limb, during sit-to-stand. Four studies compared weight-bearing asymmetry for participants who had undergone THA to individuals without a history of THA (controls). Three of these four studies reported that participants who had undergone THA exhibited greater weight-bearing asymmetry compared to controls, while the remaining study found no difference in weight-bearing asymmetry between the THA and control groups.

Conclusions

Individuals who have undergone THA tend to offload their involved limb when performing sit-to-stands. These individuals also tend to exhibit greater weight-bearing asymmetries compared to those without THA.