ICF- and FITT-Based Physiotherapy for Hip Osteoarthritis in Older Adults: A Case Report

Abstrak

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (hip OA) is a degenerative musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain, reduced joint mobility, gait dysfunction, impaired balance, and decreased functional independence in older adults. Conservative physiotherapy based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework and the FITT principle has been recommended to improve functional outcomes.
Objective: This case report aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of an ICF- and FITT-based physiotherapy program in an older adult with chronic left hip osteoarthritis.
Methods: A 63-year-old patient with chronic left hip pain underwent a structured physiotherapy program for three treatment sessions combined with a home exercise program (HEP). Assessment included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), hip range of motion (ROM), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), gait observation, and balance assessment. Interventions included infrared therapy, ROM exercise, strengthening exercise, balance training, gait training, and functional training.
Results: Pain during activity decreased from 6/10 to 3/10, while resting pain decreased from 3/10 to 1/10. Hip flexion improved from 110° to 120°, hip adduction from 5° to 10°, and hip external rotation from 35° to 45°. Hip adductor strength improved from 3/5 to 4/5. WOMAC score decreased from 43 to 25, accompanied by improved gait symmetry and standing balance.
Conclusion: An ICF- and FITT-based physiotherapy program may improve pain, mobility, muscle strength, gait performance, and functional activity in older adults with hip OA. However, these findings are limited to a single-case report.