Hip PainNCT06655987
Hip Manipulation for Improved Strength in Patients With Hip Pain
A study testing Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulation in people with Hip Pain, run by Andrews University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential effects of an unrestrained femoral internal rotation (UFIR) manipulation technique on hip external rotation strength in individuals with nonspecific hip pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Hip Pain
- What is being tested?
- Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulation
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 4 Jul 2024to 15 Feb 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- individuals who meet the following inclusion criteria will be eligible to participate in this study: 1) nonspecific hip pain, 2) ipsilateral hip external rotation weakness (at or below 3+) based on the MMT test
Who cannot join
- individuals who meet any of the following exclusion criteria will not be eligible to participate in this study: 1) do not speak English, 2) have an impaired cognition and are unable to follow multi-step commands, 3) require an assistive device for standing balance, 4) have complaints of intractable (intolerable) pain, 5) have a history of hip dislocation or total hip replacement, 6) have a history of hip fracture or arthroscopy in the past 6 months, 7) have a history of lumbar spine fracture or surgery (e.g., lumbar discectomy and fusion) in the past 6 months, 8) present with neurological condition (i.e., stroke, Parkinson's disease, or lumbar radiculopathy), 9) known congenital hip dysplasia/adolescent hip disease, and 10) known osteoporosis
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation Manipulation on Hip External Rotation Strength in Individuals With Nonspecific Hip Pain: A One-Week Follow-Up Clinical Trial
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential effects of an unrestrained femoral internal rotation (UFIR) manipulation technique on hip external rotation strength in individuals with nonspecific hip pain. The results of this study may help physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to better understand the effectiveness of this technique in improving hip strength and function in patients with nonspecific hip pain.
Read the detailed description
Background and Rationale
Hip pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting adults of all ages and activity levels, with significant impact on daily function. In athletes, the rates of hip injuries are particularly high. The heterogeneity of nonspecific hip pain, coupled with limited research on accurate diagnosis and treatment, poses challenges for physical therapists.
This study focuses on the potential of joint manipulation, particularly the Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) technique, to improve hip external rotation strength in individuals with nonspecific hip pain and weakness. While strength training is commonly used to address hip weakness, there\'s a lack of research on alternative approaches like joint manipulation. This research seeks to bridge this gap and explore the potential benefits of UFIR manipulation in enhancing hip function and reducing pain.
Research Procedures
Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial Setting: SKYE Physiotherapy, Columbia, MD Sample: 24 adults (18-55 years) with nonspecific hip pain and ipsilateral hip external rotation weakness Intervention: Experimental group receives UFIR manipulation, control group receives sham manipulation Outcome Measures: Bilateral hip external rotation strength assessed by manual muscle testing (MMT) and hand-held dynamometer (HHD) at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 1-week follow-up.
Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics, Friedman test, Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA will be used to analyze data.
Study Procedures
Recruitment: Participants will be recruited through flyers and social media platforms.
Screening and Enrollment: Eligible participants will complete an electronic health screening form and provide informed consent.
Randomization: Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group.
Intervention: The examiner will administer UFIR manipulation to the experimental group and sham manipulation to the control group.
Assessments: Hip external rotation strength will be measured using MMT and HHD at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-week follow-up.
Data Analysis: Statistical analysis will be performed to assess changes in hip external rotation strength within and between groups.
Internal Validity and Generalizability
The study acknowledges potential threats to internal validity, including testing effects, instrumental bias, and experimenter bias. Measures to mitigate these threats include standardized techniques, a one-week interval between assessments, and randomization. The study aims to recruit a diverse sample from Howard County, MD, to enhance external validity and generalizability of findings.
Conclusion
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the potential benefits of joint manipulation, specifically UFIR, in improving hip external rotation strength and function in individuals with nonspecific hip pain and weakness. The findings may inform clinical practice and provide alternative treatment options for this patient population.
- Conditions
- Hip Pain
- Being tested
- Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulation, Sham manipulation
- Keywords
- Hip Pain, Hip Weakness, UFIR Manipulation, Manual Therapy, Physical Therapy, Joint Manipulation, Hip External Rotation Strength
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulationOther
This is the primary intervention applied to the experimental group. It involves a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust at the greater trochanter of the affected hip, intended to improve joint mobility and potentially address neuromuscular dysfunction contributing to hip pain and weakness.
Sham manipulationOther
This serves as the control intervention. It involves gentle hand placement over the affected hip\'s external rotators for a brief duration. This is intended to mimic the physical contact of the UFIR manipulation without actually delivering the therapeutic thrust.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Experimental | Participants receiving the Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulation. Receives: Other: Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulation |
| Control Group | Placebo comparator | Participants receiving a sham manipulation (gentle hand placement) Receives: Other: Sham manipulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in hip external rotation strength (measured in pounds using a hand-held dynamometer)
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately post-intervention, and one-week follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Oct 2024
- Study start4 Jul 2024
- Primary completion15 Feb 2025
- Study completion15 Feb 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Hip PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Andrews University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06655987
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IRB 24-062
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 22 Oct 2024
- Last updated
- 18 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation Manipulation on Hip External Rotation Strength in Individuals With Nonspecific Hip Pain: A One-Week Follow-Up Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06655987
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IRB 24-062
- Conditions
- Hip Pain
- Keywords
- Hip Pain, Hip Weakness, UFIR Manipulation, Manual Therapy, Physical Therapy, Joint Manipulation, Hip External Rotation Strength
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Andrews UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Feb 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 24 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential effects of an unrestrained femoral internal rotation (UFIR) manipulation technique on hip external rotation strength in individuals with nonspecific hip pain. The results of this study may help physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to better understand the effectiveness of this technique in improving hip strength and function in patients with nonspecific hip pain.
Detailed description
Background and Rationale
Hip pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting adults of all ages and activity levels, with significant impact on daily function. In athletes, the rates of hip injuries are particularly high. The heterogeneity of nonspecific hip pain, coupled with limited research on accurate diagnosis and treatment, poses challenges for physical therapists.
This study focuses on the potential of joint manipulation, particularly the Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) technique, to improve hip external rotation strength in individuals with nonspecific hip pain and weakness. While strength training is commonly used to address hip weakness, there\'s a lack of research on alternative approaches like joint manipulation. This research seeks to bridge this gap and explore the potential benefits of UFIR manipulation in enhancing hip function and reducing pain.
Research Procedures
Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial Setting: SKYE Physiotherapy, Columbia, MD Sample: 24 adults (18-55 years) with nonspecific hip pain and ipsilateral hip external rotation weakness Intervention: Experimental group receives UFIR manipulation, control group receives sham manipulation Outcome Measures: Bilateral hip external rotation strength assessed by manual muscle testing (MMT) and hand-held dynamometer (HHD) at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 1-week follow-up.
Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics, Friedman test, Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA will be used to analyze data.
Study Procedures
Recruitment: Participants will be recruited through flyers and social media platforms.
Screening and Enrollment: Eligible participants will complete an electronic health screening form and provide informed consent.
Randomization: Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group.
Intervention: The examiner will administer UFIR manipulation to the experimental group and sham manipulation to the control group.
Assessments: Hip external rotation strength will be measured using MMT and HHD at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-week follow-up.
Data Analysis: Statistical analysis will be performed to assess changes in hip external rotation strength within and between groups.
Internal Validity and Generalizability
The study acknowledges potential threats to internal validity, including testing effects, instrumental bias, and experimenter bias. Measures to mitigate these threats include standardized techniques, a one-week interval between assessments, and randomization. The study aims to recruit a diverse sample from Howard County, MD, to enhance external validity and generalizability of findings.
Conclusion
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the potential benefits of joint manipulation, specifically UFIR, in improving hip external rotation strength and function in individuals with nonspecific hip pain and weakness. The findings may inform clinical practice and provide alternative treatment options for this patient population.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group | Experimental | Other: Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulationParticipants receiving the Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulation. |
| Control Group | Placebo comparator | Other: Sham manipulationParticipants receiving a sham manipulation (gentle hand placement) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- individuals who meet the following inclusion criteria will be eligible to participate in this study: 1) nonspecific hip pain, 2) ipsilateral hip external rotation weakness (at or below 3+) based on the MMT test
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- individuals who meet any of the following exclusion criteria will not be eligible to participate in this study: 1) do not speak English, 2) have an impaired cognition and are unable to follow multi-step commands, 3) require an assistive device for standing balance, 4) have complaints of intractable (intolerable) pain, 5) have a history of hip dislocation or total hip replacement, 6) have a history of hip fracture or arthroscopy in the past 6 months, 7) have a history of lumbar spine fracture or surgery (e.g., lumbar discectomy and fusion) in the past 6 months, 8) present with neurological condition (i.e., stroke, Parkinson's disease, or lumbar radiculopathy), 9) known congenital hip dysplasia/adolescent hip disease, and 10) known osteoporosis
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulationThis is the primary intervention applied to the experimental group. It involves a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust at the greater trochanter of the affected hip, intended to improve joint mobility and potentially address neuromuscular dysfunction contributing to hip pain and weakness. | Other | Experimental Group |
| Sham manipulationThis serves as the control intervention. It involves gentle hand placement over the affected hip\'s external rotators for a brief duration. This is intended to mimic the physical contact of the UFIR manipulation without actually delivering the therapeutic thrust. | Other | Control Group |
Primary outcome
Change in hip external rotation strength (measured in pounds using a hand-held dynamometer)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately post-intervention, and one-week follow-up
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Jul 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Unrestrained Femoral Internal Rotation (UFIR) manipulation in people with Hip Pain, run by Andrews University at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in hip external rotation strength (measured in pounds using a hand-held dynamometer) (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately post-intervention, and one-week follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Jul 2025.