Does treatment by a specialist physiotherapist change pain and function in young adults with symptoms from femoroacetabular impingement? A pilot project for a randomised controlled trial

AimFemoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is recognised as a source of hip pain but the effect of conservative treatment remains untested. This pilot study aimed to inform and evaluate the methods required to conduct a substantive trial comparing the effect of treatment by a physiotherapist versus routine care on the symptoms of FAI.DesignA parallel group, pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT).SettingA single NHS acute hospital trust, Devon, England.Participants30 adults with symptomatic FAI were recruited. 23 (77%) completed the study.InterventionsIntervention was 3 months of treatment by a specialist physiotherapist. The control group received routine care.Main outcomesChange in pain and function was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale, Non Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS) and Hip Outcome Score.ResultsParticipants in the intervention arm undertook a personalised exercise programme to improve pelvic and femoral control plus advice on posture, activity pacing and pain relief. The mean change in NAHS for the intervention group was 12.7 (95% CI 4.7 to 20.7) and 1.8 (95% CI −5.3 to 9.0) in the control group; Median change in LEFS was 11.5 (95% CI 5.0 to 26.0) versus −1.0 (95% CI −7.0 to 4.0). This improvement in LEFS was beyond minimal clinically important difference in the intervention group. Pain scores improved marginally in both groups.ConclusionsMethodological strengths and weaknesses were successfully identified for a substantive study. Further research is needed to evaluate the relative influence of structural and neuromuscular features on symptoms of FAI and the role of conservative treatment.