Safety and Feasibility of a Physiotherapist-Led Strength-Training Program in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop and test the feasibility of a 12-week physiotherapist-led supervised strength-training program for patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. DESIGN: Feasibility study. METHODS: Fifteen patients (mean age ± standard deviation: 38 ± 7, 11 women) with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome were recruited from 2 orthopaedic outpatient clinics. Patients participated in a hip strength-training program 3 times/week for 12 weeks. Seven supervised sessions were offered with home-based training in between. Feasibility was measured by completion rate, adverse events, and adherence to training (satisfactory rate>75%). Patients completed the 33-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) at baseline and intervention completion. Maximal isometric hip muscle strength was assessed during hip flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, and patients performed a single-leg hop for distance. RESULTS: All 15 patients completed the program. Ninety-six percent of the training sessions were completed, and no adverse events were observed. Clinically relevant changes were seen in maximal isometric hip muscle strength during flexion (mean change [95% confidence interval): 0.20 [0.08;0.32] N·m/kg, extension: 0.34 [0.14;0.55] N·m/kg, abduction: 0.29 [0.13;0.46] N·m/kg, adduction: 0.23 [0.09;0.37] N·m/kg, and hop for distance: 17 [9;24] cm. No significant changes were seen in patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: The strength-training program was feasible and safe. JOSPT Open 2024;2(3):256-263. Epub 17 April 2024. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.0916