Cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce fear of movement and improve recovery after hip replacement

Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Kinesiophobia and Clinical Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT07427758

This trial will test whether adding cognitive behavioral therapy to standard physical therapy helps people after hip replacement feel less fear of movement, have less pain, and move better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Giza, Giza Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07427758 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized interventional trial compares standard post-THA physical therapy alone versus the same rehabilitation program plus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Eligible adults who had a first-time unilateral total hip arthroplasty and high kinesiophobia are assigned to either control or experimental arms. Outcomes include changes in kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), pain, functional mobility, and quality of life, with follow-up visits up to six months. The experimental group receives structured CBT sessions alongside exercise while the control group receives routine physical therapy only.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) who had a first-time unilateral total hip arthroplasty, show high kinesiophobia on the TSK, are medically stable, have at least basic education, and agree to attend CBT and six-month follow-up.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing revision hip surgery, with severe contralateral hip osteoarthritis, significant comorbid neurological or cardiovascular disease, BMI >40, active malignancy, cognitive or serious psychiatric disorders, prior CBT for this problem, pregnancy, or inability to communicate or cooperate are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding CBT could reduce fear of movement and pain and improve functional recovery and quality of life after hip replacement.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown CBT can reduce kinesiophobia after joint arthroplasty—particularly evidence in total knee arthroplasty—while evidence specifically in total hip arthroplasty is more limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

((1) postoperative unilateral THA for the first time; (2) at least primary education; (3) ≥18 years of age ; (4) voluntary participation and close cooperation with the care plan; and (5) agreement to continue the intervention and the six-month follow-up after discharge,(6) high level of kinesiophobia on Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia(TSK), (7)medically stable and cleared by their orthopedic surgeon.

Exclusion Criteria:

(1) revision surgery, (2) severe osteoarthritis in the contralateral hip, (3) severe acute metabolic neuromuscular and cardiovascular disease, (4) body mass index above 40, (5) presence of malignancy, any other orthopedic or neurologic problem that might affect treatment and assessments, (6) any condition that might interfere with communication, (7) or lack of cooperation during the study.(9) Individuals with cognitive disorder,(10) individuals with any psychological disease or disorder,(10) Had previously participated in a CBT intervention,(11) pregnancy.

Where this trial is running

Giza, Giza Governorate

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Total Hip ArthroplastyKinesiophobia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.