Health TrialsbyHealthPanel

In-Season Prevalence and Management of Hip and Groin Injuries in Competitive Athletes

ConditionFemoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phasePhase 1
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age14-40
SponsorUniversity of Calgary

About this trial

This study is focused on helping athletes with a common hip condition called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. FAI syndrome occurs when abnormal bone shapes around the hip joint cause friction during movement, leading to pain, reduced performance, and, over time, more serious injury. While this issue is well-studied in male professional athletes, little is known about how it affects female and collegiate athletes, or how to prevent it from worsening.

In this study, athletes diagnosed with FAI syndrome will participate in a 12-week in-season exercise program designed to reduce pain, improve hip strength and movement, and help prevent further injury-all while continuing their regular sports training.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either:

* An exercise group (receiving the intervention), or * A time-and-attention control group (regular check-ins and education).

At the end of the study, the control group will have the option to access the exercise program.

The study will track changes in pain, physical performance, injury recurrence, and athlete satisfaction with the program. This research aims to improve how we manage hip injuries in athletes and help keep them active during the competitive season.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

currently identifies as a "competitive athlete" based on the LTAD

aged 14-40

be free from any significant lower extremity injury (hip, groin, knee, ankle foot) in the past 6 months that resulted in >1 months of time loss or current inability to fully participate in sport at the time of baseline testing

Disqualifiers

Are currently experiencing or recovering from a lower extremity injury that resulted in >1 month time lost within the past 6 months

are pregnant or may become pregnant during the study (due to radiographic imaging exposure)

* participants will be excluded from eligibility of RCT if they have evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis on imaging (Tönnis grade 2-3)

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Progressive Hip Strengthening Program

    Other intervention

    This 12-week, in-season exercise intervention is designed for athletes with FAI syndrome and consists of three progressive phases. Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Focus on neuromuscular re-education and motor control using low-load exercises to improve hip and core activation, alignment, and stability. Phase 2 (Weeks 5-8): Targeted strengthening with increased load and movement complexity, emphasizing single-leg control, endurance, and pelvic stability. Phase 3 (Weeks 9-12): Integration of dynamic control, proprioception, and sport-specific movement patterns to support return to performance. Exercises target gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, core musculature, and functional movement systems. Participants complete the program \>=3 times per week. Weekly questionnaires will monitor symptoms, adherence, and other management (e.g., physiotherapy).

  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation

    Other intervention

    Participants in the time and attention control group will complete a 12-week, three-phase progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) program based on the Jacobson method. Phase 1 introduces isolated muscle tensing and relaxing to build awareness of muscle tension and promote body-mind connection. Phase 2 focuses on sequential relaxation of muscle groups, enhancing control and reducing stress. Phase 3 transitions to full-body relaxation through guided breathing and visualization techniques. Sessions are practiced 2-3 times per week using audio guides, with weekly check-ins from study staff. Symptom response, adherence, and participant experience are tracked throughout the season.

Treatment groups

30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: Exercise InterventionExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Time and Attention ControlSham comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Proportion of Agreement to Screening

the number of participants whom agree to be screened/the number of participants approached for recruitment

Time frame
up to 9 months - study time frame is 12 months, with the last participant able to enroll at month 9 to allow for 12 weeks of intervention
2

Eligibility Proportion

the number screened positive for inclusion (evidence of FAI syndrome)/number of participants who agreed to be screened (consented)

Time frame
up to 9 months - study time frame is 12 months, with the last participant able to enroll at month 9 to allow for 12 weeks of intervention
3

Consent Proportion

Number of participants screened positive and agreed to participate in intervention/number screened positive for inclusion

Time frame
up to 9 months - study time frame is 12 months, with the last participant able to enroll at month 9 to allow for 12 weeks of intervention
4

Randomization Proportion

The number of participants randomized/the number of participants screened positive and agreed to participate

Time frame
up to 9 months - study time frame is 12 months, with the last participant able to enroll at month 9 to allow for 12 weeks of intervention

Secondary outcomes

1

International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33)

The International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) is a 33-item patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess the health-related quality of life for young, active individuals with hip disorders. It focuses on how hip problems impact their daily activities, sports, work, and overall well-being. The iHOT-33 is a valuable tool for initial assessments, post-operative follow-ups, and clinical studies related to hip conditions.

Time frame
12 weeks
2

Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Tool (HAGOS)

Patient-reported questionnaire designed to assess the impact of hip and/or groin problems on physical function and quality of life in young to middle-aged, physically active individuals.

Time frame
12 weeks
3

Make (Isometric) Strength Testing of the Hip

Strength measures in the hip (N/kg) performed in flexion, abduction, adduction. Measures will be performed pre and post intervention.

Time frame
12 weeks
4

Passive Range of Motion

Range of motion in degrees at the hip joint in flexion, internal rotation, abduction. Performed pre and post intervention.

Time frame
12 weeks

Other outcomes

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

University of Calgary

Lead sponsor

Source ClinicalTrials.gov

This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: