Progressive Strength Training Based upon the Principle of Overloading for a 86-Year-Old Hip Fracture Patient. A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Hip fracture can drastically change functional level for elder patients. Between 22% and 75% of hip fracture patients do not recover their previous ambulatory or functional status after fracture. The purpose of this case report is to show how to use the principle of overload in the training of a hip fracture patient, here related to an 86-year-old woman. After 36 times of prolonged strength training there was both observed and clinical evidence of improvement in the patient's functional status. The program comprised four exercises performed at 80% of maximum. The outcome measurements was the Berg Balance Scale, the Sit-to-Stand test, Timed Up-and-Go test, Maximal Gait Speed, 6-Minute Walk Test, the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale, and the Short Form-12 Health Status Questionnaire, all of which showed improvement at both six and nine months of follow-up. These findings show that a program of progressive and prolonged strength training can help in recovery from hip fracture. It seems important for this patient to participate in strenuous exercises for overcoming bodily limitations to achieve increased vitality and improved quality of life.

KEYWORDS. :

• Hip fracture
• strength training
• principle of overload