Exercise Therapy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

The Effect of Patients' Characteristics on the Responsiveness to Exercise Therapy for the Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: a Multi-center, Single-group, Intervention Study

The aim of the clinical trial is to investigate the characteristics of patients, who respond vs. not respond to exercise therapy for the nonsurgical management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

Patients with a diagnosis of FAIS will be recruited from 2 clinical centers and will receive exercise therapy (study intervention). Exercise therapy is a semi-standardized intervention and will last 12 weeks (3 months). Hip pain, function and quality of life will be assessed using a patient-reported questionnaire at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months' follow-up. Hip joint contact pressure will be evaluated using motion analysis and modelling at baseline, 3 and 12 months' follow-up. Hip morphology will be evaluated using imaging at baseline and hip surgery rate will be evaluated at 6 and 12 months' follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: 18 to 50 years;
• Diagnosis of FAIS;
• Availability of magnetic resonance arthrography and anteroposterior pelvic radiography of the involved hip;
• Signed informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous hip surgery;
• Any surgery on the lower extremities in the last 6 months;
• Hip dysplasia: lateral center edge angle <25°;
• Hip osteoarthritis: Tönnis grade >1;
• BMI: >35 kg/m2;
• Significant cardiopulmonary diseases.