RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Enhancing Exercise Adherence Among Patients With Lateral Hip Pain

This study is for adults experiencing pain on the outer side of their hip, a condition called Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). The main goal is to find better ways to help people keep up with their prescribed hip exercises. Researchers will compare three groups, each receiving different advice on when to do their exercises – either with special timing guidance, with timing guidance plus reminders, or just usual care. Participants will follow an exercise program from their usual healthcare provider, fill in quick daily surveys for nearly a month, and complete online questionnaires about their hip pain and movement several times over three months. They'll also join an online group chat at the study's end. This research hopes to make exercising easier for people with GTPS, potentially reducing pain and improving daily life, and helping others in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Loughborough University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome Hip Pain

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a common problem called Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, or GTPS. This is when you feel pain on the outer side of your hip. For many people, exercises are a really important way to help manage this pain. However, it can sometimes be hard to stick to an exercise routine.

That's why this research is testing a new idea: whether getting clear advice on *when* to do your exercises can make it easier to keep them up. Sometimes, doing exercises at certain times of the day might make them feel less like a chore. The study wants to see if giving people tips on timing their exercises, and even sending them reminders, can make a difference compared to just doing exercises as normal.

The main aim is to understand if this simple approach can help people with GTPS exercise more consistently. If it does, it could mean less hip pain and better movement for those taking part. It could also help doctors and therapists find better ways to support all patients with GTPS in the future.

Key takeaways

Tests new ways to help people with outer hip pain (GTPS) stick to exercises.
Compares guidance on exercise timing with and without reminders.
Participation involves daily surveys and regular online questionnaires.
Could help reduce hip pain for participants and improve future care for others.
Open to adults 18+ with a GTPS diagnosis and a mobile phone.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over, of any gender. To take part, you must have been told by a doctor or other healthcare professional that you have Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), which is pain on the outer side of your hip.

You also need to be able to do the exercises safely that your usual healthcare provider has given you, and you should own a mobile phone. You'll need to be happy to take part and understand what the study involves, as you'll be asked to give your agreement to join.

Unfortunately, if you are under 18 or have serious medical or mental health conditions that might make it hard for you to do the exercises or follow the study instructions, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) by a doctor?
Do you already have a hip exercise programme from your healthcare provider that you can do safely?
Do you own and use a mobile phone?
Are you willing to complete short daily surveys and online questionnaires?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, your involvement would last for about three months. You would continue to follow the hip exercise programme that your healthcare provider (like your GP or physiotherapist) has already given you.

Each day for 28 days (about a month), you would be asked to fill in a very short survey on your mobile phone, which should only take 1 to 2 minutes. You'll also complete online questionnaires about your hip pain, how well you move, and your exercise habits at five different times over the three months. At the very end of the study, you would be invited to join an online group discussion with other participants.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help you stick to your prescribed exercises, which could potentially lead to less hip pain and make daily activities easier. Your involvement will also help researchers learn more about how to support people with GTPS in the future. As with any exercise, there's a small risk of discomfort or minor injury, but you'll be doing exercises already recommended by your healthcare provider. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospitals of Leicester NHT Trust, Department of Musculoskeletal, Sport & Exercise Medicine
Leicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)?

GTPS is a common condition that causes pain on the outer side of your hip.

What kind of exercises will I be doing?

You will follow the hip exercise programme that your own doctor or physiotherapist has already given you.

How much time will I need to commit?

You'll fill in a 1-2 minute daily survey for 28 days, complete online questionnaires 5 times over 3 months, and join one online group discussion at the end.

Will I get paid to take part?

The study information provided does not mention any payment for participation.

What happens to my information?

Your information will be used by researchers to understand how people respond to different exercise timings and help improve care for GTPS patients in the future. All information will be kept confidential.

How to find out more

Wafa R Alrubaia, MSc

W.R.S.Alrubaia@lboro.ac.uk +447472358659 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.