Affiliations: [a] La Trobe University, Rural Health School, Bendigo, VIC, Australia | [b] Bendigo Health Care Group, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Marcos de Noronha, La Trobe University, PO Box 199, Bendigo, Victoria 3552, Australia. Tel.: +61 3 54447231; Fax: +61 3 5448 9199; E-mail:m.denoronha@latrobe.edu.au
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of morbidity.
Rehabilitation for this population focuses on strengthening the hip muscles,
particularly the abductors, however the deficit in function of these muscles
is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence for the differences in structure
and function of hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus and tensor fascia
lata) in hip OA. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, AMED,
CINAHL and SportDISCUS, from the earliest date to September 2013. Studies
that compared hip OA patients with controls, or the unaffected contralateral
hip were included. Studies needed to report data on an outcome related to
gross gluteal muscle function. RESULTS: An initial yield of 141 studies was reduced to 22 after
application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis confirmed greater
hip abductor strength in the control group (standardized mean difference =
SMD -0.93, 95%CI -1.70 to -0.16) and the unaffected limb (SMD -0.26,
95%CI -0.48 to -0.04). Meta-analyses showed no differences in muscle size
either between groups or limbs. Few electromyography studies have been
reported and meta-analysis was not possible. CONCLUSION:
Hip abductor strength is reduced in OA patients when compared to healthy controls and to the unaffected limb.
Data on muscle size and
activity is limited.
