Quality of Life and Physical Activity After Total Hip Arthroplasty — A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.59.72714Keywords
total hip arthroplasty, quality of life, physical activity, return to sport, rehabilitation, functional recoveryAbstract
Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures, providing pain relief, restoring joint function, and improving quality of life in patients with advanced hip disease. Increasing attention has been directed toward postoperative physical activity, return to sport, and long-term functional outcomes after THA.
Aim: This narrative review aimed to evaluate the impact of THA on quality of life and physical activity, with emphasis on return to daily activities, sports participation, rehabilitation, and factors influencing postoperative outcomes.
Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using studies indexed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, observational studies, and original clinical studies addressing quality of life, physical activity, return to sport, and rehabilitation following THA.
Results: Current evidence suggests that THA leads to substantial improvements in health-related quality of life, postoperative function, and physical activity in the majority of patients. A large proportion of patients are able to resume daily activities, occupational duties, and low- or moderate-impact sports after surgery, whereas return to high-impact sports remains controversial. Postoperative activity levels are influenced by patient characteristics, preoperative activity, rehabilitation strategies, and surgeon recommendations. Emerging evidence suggests that appropriately selected physical activity may be compatible with implant safety after THA.
Conclusions: THA is associated with substantial improvements in quality of life and supports return to physical activity for many patients. Individualized rehabilitation and evidence-based activity recommendations are essential to optimize outcomes, support safe return to sport, and meet the expectations of active patient populations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Paweł Budzik, Daniel Chołuj, Aleksandra Arczewska, Karolina Kornatowska, Szymon Kopciał, Justyna Jankowska, Adrianna Wiekiera, Mateusz Wiekiera, Marlena Radzka
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