Progressive resistance training for adults with external snapping hip

Snappy Hip Trial: A Randomized Crossover Trial Comparing the Clinical and Cost-effectiveness of Progressive Resistance Training Compared to Usual Care on Pain for Adults With External Snapping Hip

Not applicable Interventional University of Aarhus · NCT06924164

This project will test whether a 12-week progressive resistance training program can reduce hip pain and improve function in adults 18–40 with external snapping hip compared with waiting or self-guided exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus Academic / other
Locations13 sites (Aalborg and 12 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06924164 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This international, multicentre, randomized, assessor-blinded crossover trial will compare a 12-week progressive resistance training program to a wait-and-see control with self-guided exercise in adults with external snapping hip. After baseline testing, participants aged 18–40 will be randomized 1:1 using REDCap and undergo follow-up testing at 6, 12, and 24 weeks, with the primary outcome measured as change from baseline to 12 weeks. The trial is powered for the 12-week endpoint and uses blinded assessors and multiple follow-up time points to capture both short- and longer-term effects. Recruitment and training take place at Danish centers in Aalborg, Aarhus, and Copenhagen and participants must be able to attend in-person sessions and read Danish or English.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 who can reproduce an audible or visible lateral hip 'snap' with recent pain, can commute to the training facility, and understand Danish or English are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with previous hip surgery, predominant anterior or medial hip pain, contraindications to exercise, pregnancy, planned lower-extremity surgery, or other neurological/rheumatoid conditions affecting the hip are unlikely to benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide a specific non-surgical option that reduces hip pain and improves function for people with external snapping hip.

How similar studies have performed: A prior feasibility study reported less pain and improved physical function, quality of life, and strength after 12 weeks of progressive resistance training, so this randomized trial builds on promising preliminary results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Age 18-40 years (10)
* Experienced lateral hip joint "snapping" with pain discomfort within the last 14 days
* Able to demonstrate the audible and/or visible lateral "snapping" during lateral hip joint movementor popping sound when the hip joint moves
* Capable of commuting to the training facility
* Proficient in reading and understanding Danish or English

Exclusion criteria:

* Previous surgery on the affected hip
* Planned surgery on lower extremities within the trial period
* Anterior or medial hip discomfort that substantially exceeds the lateral hip discomfort
* Any contraindication to exercise
* Neurological, rheumatoid, or mental conditions affecting the hip function
* Ongoing active cancer treatment
* Planned vacation for more than 14 days within the intervention period
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Aalborg and 12 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 External Snapping HipCoxa Saltans ExternalExternal snapping hipProgressive resistance trainingCoxa saltans externalExercise
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.