An EDucation and eXercise intervention for gluteal tendinopathy in an Irish setting: a protocol for a feasibility...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Gluteal tendinopathy (GT) is a common cause of hip pain.
• Previous research indicates that an 8-week education and exercise (EDX) program can improve GT outcomes.
• Current physiotherapy in Ireland typically involves fewer sessions than the established EDX protocol.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) for the EDX program in Ireland.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-session EDX intervention compared to usual care for gluteal tendinopathy.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility RCT will enroll 64 participants with GT.
• Participants will be randomized to either the EDX-Ireland intervention (6 sessions over 8 weeks) or usual care.
• Feasibility will be assessed by recruitment, retention, and outcome measure completion rates. Acceptability will be explored through patient, provider, and referrer feedback.

Main Results:

• This section is not applicable for a feasibility study abstract.
• This section is not applicable for a feasibility study abstract.
• This section is not applicable for a feasibility study abstract.

Conclusions:

• This feasibility study will provide crucial data for designing a future definitive RCT on the EDX program for gluteal tendinopathy.
• Findings will inform the potential implementation of an effective GT treatment within existing healthcare systems.