Exercise versus standard care in Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Does the addition of an exercise programme improve outcomes in Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome compared to standard care- a pilot study

  • IRAS ID

    251259

  • Contact name

    Alison Smeatham

  • Contact email

    Alisonsmeatham@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation NHS Trust

  • ISRCTN Number

    ISRCTN33399646

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 7 months, 3 days

  • Research summary

    Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a condition affecting 1.8 per 1000 of the population in one year. It causes pain in the tendons on the outer aspect of the hip during walking or climbing steps. Compression of the tendon when lying on the affected side is also painful. The effect on daily activity and sleep can be substantial.

    Standard treatment is usually corticosteroid injection and advice. Physiotherapy treatment may also be suggested. Recent research has shown that exercise can be beneficial but we do not know whether the type and frequency of exercise makes a difference.

    We have been given a grant by the Physiotherapy Research Foundation to do a pilot study to help plan a randomised controlled trial. This will be to see whether adding an exercise programme changes pain and activity after one year when compared to standard care of advice and corticosteroid injection. We will ask patients with GTPS who are referred to physiotherapy by their GP if they would like to take part. All participants will have standard care. Half the participants will also attend five exercise sessions in a Physiotherapy department and do home exercises. All participants will complete questionnaires about their hip pain and activity after three months and one year.

  • REC name

    South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    18/SW/0201

  • Date of REC Opinion

    28 Sep 2018

  • REC opinion

    Unfavourable Opinion