Exercise and education for patients with hip dysplasia

MovetheHip-trial: The Effectiveness of Exercise and Patient Education Compared With Usual Care on Self-reported Pain in Patients With Hip Dysplasia

Not applicable Interventional University of Aarhus · NCT04795843

This study is testing if exercise and education can help people with hip dysplasia feel less pain and improve their hip function compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Aarhus N and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04795843 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of exercise and patient education compared to usual care for patients with hip dysplasia. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives exercise and education, or the control group receiving usual care. The primary outcome is the change in self-reported pain measured by the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) over a six-month follow-up period. Additionally, secondary outcomes will assess various aspects of hip function and quality of life. A health-economic and process-evaluation study will also be conducted alongside the main trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with radiographically verified hip dysplasia experiencing hip and/or groin pain for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with severe pain scores or those who have undergone major hip surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients with hip dysplasia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise and education interventions for similar conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Radiographically verified hip dysplasia by a Wiberg's centre edge (CE) angle of 10-25 degrees and an acetabular Index (AI) angle \>10 degrees
* Hip and/or groin pain as primary pain for at least three months
* Candidate for periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) but unwilling to undergo PAO, or on a waiting list for surgery (PAO) for 12 months or longer
* Not candidate for PAO (negative impingement test, BMI \>25, hip osteoarthritis, age \>45 years or reduced hip range of motion)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self-reported pain score \>80 points measured with Copenhagen Hip and Groin outcome score
* Any major planned surgery (i.e. arthroplastic surgery or discectomy surgery)
* BMI \>35
* Acetabular retroversion defined by crossover sign and posterior wall sign
* Calvé Legg Perthes or epiphysiolysis
* Previous pelvic/hip surgery in index limb
* Previous pelvic/hip surgery within the last 2 years in contralateral limb
* Previous surgery due to herniated disc or spondylodesis
* Previous arthroplastic surgery in the hip, knee or ankle
* Physical (pregnancy/trauma), neurological, medical or rheumatic conditions severely affecting the hip function
* Inadequacy in written and spoken Danish, mental illness or other conditions affecting the ability to follow mandatory procedures for participation

Where this trial is running

Aarhus N and 1 other locations

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 Hip DysplasiaHip Dislocation, CongenitalExercisePatient educationUsual careEffectivenessCost-effectivenessProcess evaluation
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.