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A pilot randomised trial comparing individualised physiotherapy versus shockwave therapy for proximal hamstring
Aidan Lindsay Fenner Rich1,2,3, Jillianne Leigh Cook4, Andrew John Hahne4
1School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia. a.rich@latrobe.edu.au.
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics
|May 25, 2023
Summary
This pilot study compares individualized physiotherapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT). It assesses treatment feasibility and effects on pain and hamstring strength to guide future research.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT) causes localized buttock pain, affecting daily activities and sports participation across all age groups.
- Current treatment options for PHT lack definitive evidence, necessitating further research into effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of individualized physiotherapy compared to extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for treating proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT).
- To determine the feasibility of a larger trial and estimate treatment effects on pain and hamstring strength.
Main Methods:
- An assessor-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 100 participants with PHT.
- Participants received six sessions of either individualized physiotherapy or ESWT, alongside standardized education.
- Primary outcomes included the Global Rating of Change and Victorian Institute of Sport-Hamstring (VISA-H) scale, measured over 52 weeks.
Main Results:
- This pilot study aims to gather data on feasibility and preliminary treatment effects.
- The study will provide estimates for sample size calculations for a future definitive trial.
Conclusions:
- This pilot RCT will compare individualized physiotherapy versus ESWT for PHT.
- The trial will determine feasibility and estimated treatment effects to inform a definitive trial in the future.
