Physiotherapist led treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (the PhysioFIRST study): an assessor-blinded, limited disclosure randomised controlled trial

Key Points

1. Participants with FAI syndrome in the strength group had twice the odds of reporting improved pain compared with those in the stretch group.

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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Up to 40% of young adults with hip pain are diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) (1). In a retrospective study of 1072 NCAA D1 athletes, the prevalence of FAI was 3.7% (n = 40) with an even split between operative and non-operative treatment (2). Hip arthroscopy has risen in popularity over the past decade; however conservative care remains the preferred first line of care for FAI (3). FAI symptoms are associated with deficits in hip strength, range of motion and reduced QOL scores (4).

The primary aim of this RCT was to compare a strength vs stretch based PT-led program on hip-related QOL and perceived improvement. Secondary aims were to assess hip strength, ROM, functional task performance and kinesiophobia.

Up to 40% of young adults with hip pain are diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement.

Strength had a higher proportion of participants that crossed the dichotomized threshold for pain improvement and demonstrated improvements in hip strength that were not seen in the stretch group.

METHODS

• 154 participants were recruited in the Melbourne metro area over a two-year period to take part in a six-month non-operative intervention RCT for FAI.

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