The effect of an early ambulation program based on cognitive behavioral therapy for elderly patients with kinesiophobia after total hip arthroplasty

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an early ambulation program based on cognitive behavioral therapy for elderly patients with kinesiophobia after Total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods A quasi-experimental study design was adopted. Elderly patients with post-THA kinesiophobia admitted between December 2023 and December 2024 were enrolled and divided into a control group and an intervention group. The control group received routine health education and rehabilitation training. Whereas the intervention group received a cognitive-behavioral therapy-based early mobilization program. Postoperative data were collected, including the time of first ambulation kinesiophobia scores, pain scores, Harris scores, ADL scores. Postoperative follow-up of the patient’s kinesiophobia, pain, Harris, ADL scores was conducted at one and 3 months. Statistical analysis was conducted using t -test, analysis of variance and chi-square. Results Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The intervention group demonstrated a significantly shorter time to first ambulation compared to the control group. Kinesiophobia scores improved significantly over the three postoperative time points assessed. Pain scores, Harris scores, and ADL scores also showed significant improvements. Additionally, the intervention group had a significantly shorter hospital stay and lower hospitalization costs. Conclusion The CBT-based early mobilization intervention effectively improved health outcomes in elderly patients with post-THA kinesiophobia, offering valuable insights for clinical practice. Clinical trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=2400094636&lang=en , Identifier ChiCTR2400094636.