Researchers say doctors should encourage patients with hip replacements to exercise more. Photo by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

NORWICH, England, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Patients who undergo hip replacement surgery do not become more physically active after the procedure, researchers found in a new study.

Hip replacement surgery is typically done to ease the pain of movement, and patients often cite osteoarthritis as a reason for seeking the elective procedure. A study conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia in England is causing scientists to question the need for the surgery, however.


"The most common reason for a hip replacement is to reduce pain on movement," lead researcher Tom Withers said in a press release. "We expected that the amount of physical activity post-surgery would therefore increase. What we found surprised us."

During the experiment, Withers and his research team analyzed data on approximately 1,300 patients who received hip replacement surgery. They examined indicators of physical activity following the procedure, looking for longer walking distances, cycling and other physical activities.

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The team found no consistent increase in exercise following the surgeries. Their findings were published in the journal Clinical Rehabilitation.

Despite the results, the research team maintains hip replacement surgery has physical benefits. The problem, according to Withers, is that medical professionals are not encouraging their patients enough.

"The benefits of regular physical activity following a hip replacement are well known, so this research is important for healthcare professionals because it suggests that patients need to be encouraged to be more physically active," he added.

During hip replacement surgery, doctors remove a painful hip joint with arthritis, and replace it with an artificial joint made from metal and plastic components. The procedure is normally done after other treatment options have failed.