70 patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were randomized to postoperative rehabilitation including both supplementary arm and upper body exercises and standard lower limb exercises or to standard lower limb exercises alone. Patients were assessed for hip function and quality of life measures at 2 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Results demonstrated significant differences in favour of the group that received the supplemental arm and upper body exercises for specific hip function, the Role-physical domain of the Short Form 36-Item General Health Survey, and handgrip strength.