Rehabilitation method using virtual reality technology and robotic mechanotherapy in patients with coxarthrisis after hip joint replacement operation

Objective: to evaluate the impact of the rehabilitation with the inclusion of virtual reality technology and robotic mechanotherapy on the speed and biomechanics of walking in patients with coxarthrosis after hip arthroplasty.

Material and methods. The sample consisted of 40 patients aged 40–80 years after hip arthroplasty for coxarthrosis. Within 14 days, patients of the main group (n=20) received a new complex of physical therapy, including robotic mechanotherapy and training on a system with virtual reality technology, in the control group (n=20) – a standard rehabilitation complex.

Results. In the main group, a decrease in the level of pain according to VAS by 41.7% (p=0.023 compared with the baseline; p=0.047 compared with the control group), as well as an increase in walking speed (by 20.5%; p= 0.028) and a decrease in step width (by 8.2%; p=0.048). Also, in the main group, there was a decrease in the time to complete the "Get up and walk" test (by 15.4%; p=0.043) and an increase in walking speed according to the ten-meter test (by 23.9%; p=0.039). There were no significant changes in data in the control group (p>0.05).

Conclusion. A new rehabilitation complex, including methods of mechanotherapy and virtual reality, is recommended for the rehabilitation of patients with coxarthrosis after arthroplasty.