Progressive Resistance Training Versus Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is associated with joint pain, physical disability, decreased muscle strength and poor health status, and the most common cause for total hip arthroplasty. No studies have investigated the effect of total hip arthroplasty compared to non-surgical treatment in patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis. This comparison is of upmost importance as it is unknown whether non-surgical treatment may be used as an alternate to surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether total hip arthroplasty followed by standard care is superior to progressive resistance training for improving hip function and pain in patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis. The hypothesis is that patients treated with total hip arthroplasty will improve more than patients treated with progressive resistance training.