Is progressive resistance training feasible in patients with symptomatic external snapping hip?

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the feasibility of applying progressive resistance training (PRT) to patients with symptomatic external snapping hip (SESH).

PURPOSE: To investigate whether PRT is feasible in patients with SESH and to report changes to hip function, awareness of the hip joint and muscle strength following PRT.

METHODS: Feasibility was measured by drop-out rate, adverse events, pain exacerbation (VAS) and adherence to PRT. At baseline and the end of treatment, patients completed the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), maximal voluntary isometric (MVC) and dynamic hip muscle strength and a loaded stair test (LST).

RESULTS: Three out of nine included female patients (33%) dropped out. Pain scores were acceptable (VAS ≤ 50 mm) in 76% of all training sessions, and an overall decrease in pain during PRT was found (-10 mm, 95% CI [-3; -18]). For those who completed the intervention, training adherence was 97 ± 4%. Paired analyzes showed improvements in all HAGOS subscales, FJS, muscle strength and the LST.

CONCLUSION: Progressive resistance training seems feasible in a subset of patients with SESH despite a high drop-out rate. The present study suggests large effect sizes for hip pain, function, awareness and muscle strength.