Unlocking the Mystery of Muscle Activation in Hip Osteoarthritis
Have you ever heard the phrase ‘mind over matter’? Well, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) suggests that this may be the case when it comes to muscle activation in people suffering from hip osteoarthritis.
Dr. Myles Murphy, a post-doctoral research fellow at ECU, conducted a study on muscle function in individuals with hip osteoarthritis and made a groundbreaking discovery. These patients were found to have difficulty activating their muscles efficiently.
Past studies have shown that the severity of joint degeneration is not directly linked to the amount of pain experienced by individuals with arthritis. Surprisingly, the stronger your muscles are, the better protected your joints are, leading to less pain. However, Dr. Murphy’s research revealed that people with hip osteoarthritis struggle to activate their muscles effectively, regardless of their strength.
Upon further investigation, Dr. Murphy and his team delved into the brain function of individuals with hip arthritis and uncovered the significant role of the mind in this scenario.
“Essentially, individuals with hip arthritis face challenges in muscle activation because the brain is actively inhibiting their muscle use. We are still unsure of the reasons behind this phenomenon, but it appears that the brain is hindering the rehabilitation process and muscle protection for the joint,” Dr. Murphy explained.
He added, “We believe this inhibition may be a short-term defensive mechanism gone awry. Unlike acute injuries like a sprained ankle or a twisted knee, chronic conditions like osteoarthritis persist over time. What initially serves as a protective response turns into a problematic and maladaptive reaction in the long run.”
Hip osteoarthritis mainly affects individuals over 45 years old, with women being more susceptible to developing the condition. Those with past joint injuries, joint abnormalities, or developmental hip dysplasia are at a higher risk of hip osteoarthritis.
People living with hip arthritis often exhibit altered walking patterns and struggle with simple tasks like standing up from a chair or getting in and out of a vehicle.
“The impact of osteoarthritis on daily life is immense. It not only hinders productivity and leads to time off work but also carries a hefty economic burden,” Dr. Murphy emphasized.
According to Dr. Murphy, individuals with hip osteoarthritis experience about 25% disability in normal activities, compared to a negligible 0% in healthy individuals.
In his ongoing research, Dr. Murphy is exploring innovative strategies to overcome this automatic muscle inhibition and improve patient rehabilitation outcomes.
For now, individuals with hip osteoarthritis are advised to prioritize strength training and collaborate with qualified physiotherapists or exercise physiologists.
“Building strength in these muscles will require dedication and effort, but it is achievable. There are no shortcuts. Maintaining muscle strength is a continuous process for individuals with hip osteoarthritis,” Dr. Murphy recommended.
