Abstract

Hip osteoarthritis is the most common articular disfunction, suffered by about 16 % of spanish population. Hip joint is the second most commonly affected joint by this degenerative disease and the most usual cause of pain in this region. Decreased functional capacity and pain are main signs and symptoms of hip osteoarthritis. However, normal aging is also accompanied by loss of function of the musculoskeletal system. Objective: to compare this loss of function among older adults with and without hip osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to compare functional variables among a group of healthy subjects and a group of patients with hip osteoarthritis with the same age. Material and method: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and comparative study. The outcome measures were: pain intensity and location, WOMAC questionnaire, range of motion, muscle flexibility and function test. Results: finally, a total of 50 adults, 26 women and 24 men aged 55 to 85 years old (mean hip osteoarthritis group: 69.96 SD 9.62 years; mean control group: 66.2 SD 7.22 years) satisfied all the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate.All function variables showed statistically significant differences between healthy subjects and subjects with hip osteoarthritis. All function variables showed worse results in the latter group. Conclusion: this study shows that subjects with hip osteoarthritis have worse results in function variables than healthy subjects. Regardless of age, hip osteoarthritis is a factor that affects all dimensions of function.