LEAP-Ireland Feasibility Trial of Exercise and Education for Gluteal Tendinopathy (NCT05516563) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
LEAP-Ireland Feasibility Trial of Exercise and Education for Gluteal Tendinopathy
Ireland65 participantsStarted 2023-03-27
Plain-language summary
Gluteal tendinopathy, a degenerative condition of the gluteal tendons, is a common cause of lateral hip pain. It is three times more common in women, affecting up to 25% of those aged over 40 years. Research evidence supporting the most effective interventions remains limited. A 2018 landmark three-arm RCT (LEAP trial) in Australia compared EDucation on load management plus eXercise (EDX) against corticosteroid injection (CSI), and a 'wait-and see' control on pain and global improvement in 205 individuals with gluteal tendinopathy (Mellor et al, 2016; 2018). Results showed superior and significant positive effects in the EDX group, compared with CSI and wait-and-see groups at 8 weeks and 1 year. A total of 14 EDX sessions was provided over 8 weeks in LEAP, but in the public healthcare system in Ireland, typically 5-6 physiotherapy treatments are provided.
Therefore, whilst the LEAP trial demonstrated positive effects for EDX, implementation into clinical practice in Ireland is questionable as 6 or less treatment sessions are typically provided in public and private settings in Ireland (French et al, 2020). This two-arm feasibility RCT aims to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a future RCT of a reduced dose (6 sessions) of a recently proven efficacious physiotherapy treatment of EDucation plus eXercise (EDX-Ireland) to usual care for gluteal tendinopathy in an Irish setting. A Study Within A Trial will evaluate if exercise adherence is improved with use of a smartphone app compared with paper-based diaries.
Who can participate
Age range
35 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged between 35-70 years
* Lateral hip pain for at least 3 months, of ≥ 4/10 on an 11-point numeric rating scale on most days of the last 3 months
* Tenderness on palpation of the greater trochanter
* Reproduction of pain on at least one of following diagnostic clinical tests: (FADER test, FADER with Static muscle test (internal rotation) at end of range (FADER-R), FABER test, passive hip Adduction in side lying (ADD) test, adduction with resisted isometric abduction (ADD-R), and single leg stand (SLS) for 30 seconds
* Demonstrated tendon pathology on MRI
* Access to a computer, smartphone or tablet with internet connection
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous cortisone injection in the region of the lateral hip in the last 12 months
* Physiotherapy (including regular appropriate Pilates) for lateral hip pain in the last 3 months
* Lumbar spine or lower limb surgery in the last 6 months
* Any known advanced hip joint pathology where groin pain is the primary complaint and/or where groin pain is experienced at an average intensity of ≥2 on most days of the week, or Kellgren-Lawrence score of \>2 (mild) on X-Ray
* If the following clinical criteria for the diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis (American College Rheumatology) are fulfilled:
* Self-reported hip pain with either hip internal rotation \<15° and hip flexion ≤115° or ≥15° hip internal rotation and pain on hip internal rotation
* Μorning stiffness ≤ 60 minutes
* Αge ≥ 50 years
* Hip joint flexion i…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Success of different patient recruitment methods (including community recruitment, primary care and secondary care)
Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
2
Usual care treatment/recommendations for Gluteal Tendinopathy in Ireland
Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
3
Cost-effectiveness information of Gluteal Tendinopathy in Ireland