Feasibility of High Density Sit-to-stand Functional Resistance Training in Patients With Hip Fracture. A Non-randomized Pilot Trial

The training plan is divided into 3 parts with different sub-components. There will be ongoing enrollment until 10 participants have been recruited, after which the next sub-trial will start recruitment. The intervention from the respective sub-trials is described in the individual study phases. Participants attend one-hour exercise sessions, 2 times/week for 8 weeks, in groups of 4-7 patients, supervised by 2-3 physio therapists. After completion of the physical intervention all participants are given a nutritional supplement, being a 200ml cocoa(Chokolate milk), containing 7 grams of protein, 24grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fat and in total 166 kilocalories. If any participant has lactose intolerance or diabetes, they are advised to bring an egg and a piece of rye bread to secure an equal amount of protein and calories.

First subtrial (participants 1-10): Sit-to-stand-to-sit training: Participants will be instructed to do as many sit-to-stand repetitions as possible without using their arms in a 30 second window, followed by a 30 second rest. This sequence is repeated for a total of 10 sets (a total of 10 minutes). Standard seat height of chair is 46 cm. Progression/regression: If a participant is unable to do at least 6 repetitions on the first sit-to-stand test, they are allowed to sit on a 6cm airex pillow while performing the exercise. When a single set of 12 chair rises are attained or total amount of repetitions reach 100 in 10 sets on an airex, the participant progresses to sitting on a 6-0,5cm wedge pillow, and again when the participant attains 12 rises, he/she progress to rising from the standard chair height.

Second subtrial (participants 11-20): In addition to the above intervention, progressive strength training is performed on a leg press, consisting of 3 sets of 8-12RM. Participants are instructed to do as many repetitions as possible, and the weight is increased if either 12 repetitions are performed on three consecutive sets or a single set or more than 14 repetitions are completed. If fewer than 6 repetitions are performed, the weight is reduced . There is a minimum of one minute break between each set of training on the leg press.

Third subtrial (participants 21-30): In addition to interventions described in sub-trial 1, Third subtrial will perform progressive strength training for the gluteal muscles is carried out in form of hip abduction, using rubber bands, consisting of 3 sets of 8-12RM using the same procedure as above mentioned for the leg press. Hip abduction will be performed from a standing position with a straight arm length from a wall, supporting the wall. The participant will be instructed to abduct the hip facing the wall until the foot is in contact with the wall, and then back until it touches the standing leg. Progression will be placing a rubber band just proximal to the knee with resistances being: yellow= light, red= moderate, blue= heavy. further progression will be placing the rubber band around the ankles using the same progression as above.