To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture combined with isokinetic muscle training on hip joint function in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty under the ERAS concept.

72 eligible patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 36 cases in each group (one case was lost in the observation group). The observation group received electroacupuncture combined with isokinetic muscle training therapy, while the control group received traditional rehabilitation training. The Harris Hip Score, the atrophy index of the affected side thigh muscle, the Barthel Index score of the patients were measured and recorded at postoperative day 1, 2 weeks, and 3 months, and the therapeutic and safety effects were evaluated.

All enrolled patients were followed up for 3 months. The Harris Hip Score and Barthel Index score of the observation group at 2 weeks after surgery were superior to those of the control group, with positive atrophy index values in the observation group and negative atrophy index values in the control group. At 3 months after surgery, the Harris Hip Score of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the atrophy index was lower than that of the control group. The excellent rate was also better than that of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant. The repeated measures analysis of variance of the Harris Hip Score, Barthel Index score, and atrophy index of the observation and control groups before surgery, at 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. There was an interaction effect between group and time point, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant at all time points except the first time point. The differences within the observation and control groups at each time point were also statistically significant.

Electroacupuncture combined with isokinetic muscle training can help improve hip joint function and daily living ability, alleviate postoperative edema, and prevent muscle atrophy of the affected limb in patients after total hip arthroplasty. The clinical efficacy, especially the early postoperative efficacy, is significant, and the safety is good.