Health-related quality of life after hip fracture: effects of a 12-month home-based exercise intervention—secondary analyses of an RCT

Purpose In this randomized controlled trial, we analyzed the effects of a 12-month home-based exercise intervention on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with a hip fracture. Methods Participants ( n = 121) aged ≥ 60 years, with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of ≥ 12 and an operated hip fracture, were placed into Exercise ( n = 61) or Usual care ( n = 60) groups. Physiotherapist-supervised, home-based training was given twice a week over 12 months. HRQoL was assessed using the 15D instrument at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. The total 15D scores and dimension scores were analyzed and compared to national age- and sex-matched reference data. Results The participants’ mean age was 81 years (SD 7), 75% were women, and 61% had a femoral neck fracture. The mean within-group change in total 15D score over 12 months was 0.023 (95% CI: −0.003 to 0.048) in the Usual care group, and 0.028 (CI: 0.003 to 0.054) in the Exercise group (between-group p = 0.76). We found a statistically significant change in total 15D score in the Exercise group, as well as in the dimension scores of mobility and usual activities in both groups. All 15D scores remained below the general population reference level. Conclusion Exercise training for 12 months did not enhance the HRQoL of home-dwelling patients with hip fractures any more than usual care. In addition, HRQoL remained below the population level in both groups.