Hip Pain Research
The hip pain research program is led by Prof Kay Crossley, Dr Joanne Kemp and Dr Adam Semciw. Our research focuses on hip pain across the lifespan from young adults to the elderly. We conduct longitudinal cohort studies that aim to determine the natural history of hip pain, and factors that influence the progression of hip joint disease. We are also conducting randomised trials and implementation interventions for hip pain. We utilise measures including biomechanics, imaging, and clinical measures, and have a particular interest in involving consumers in the development and implementation of our hip pain research program.
PhysioFIRST study
Femoroacetebular impingement (FAI) is a primary cause of hip pain. People with FAI are young adults aged 18-50, who report unacceptable levels of hip-related pain, poor quality of life, and difficulty with sports and recreational activities. The burden of FAI is amplified by the high daily physical demands (e.g. occupational, childcare responsibilities) encountered by younger adults.
For more information, visit the PhysioFIRST study blog page.
FORCe study
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a common cause of hip-related pain in active young adults. The hip shape (morphology) seen in FAI syndrome is associated with an increased risk of hip osteoarthritis over time.
For more information, visit the FORCe study blog page.
Risk factors for early hip osteoarthritis: A longitudinal cohort study
Hip pain is commonly seen in people aged 18-50 years. These people often undergo keyhole hip surgery (hip arthroscopy) for diagnosis and treatment of hip pain. Early hip arthritis is frequently seen at surgery, and these people have more pain, worse activity and sports performance and worse quality of life up to 3 years after surgery compared to healthy controls.
For more information, visit the early hip osteoarthritis blog page.
Gluteal exercises for Hip OSTeoarthritis – GHOST
The GHoST Trial will investigate the efficacy and feasibility of a targeted gluteal exercise program for improving hip function and increasing activity levels in people with hip osteoarthritis.
For more information, visit the GHOST trial blog page.
The GLoBE trial - hormone replacement for gluteal tendinopathy
Does female sex hormone supplementation (FSHS), exercise or a combination of both, improve pain and function in post-menopausal women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)?This study is the first randomised controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of female sex hormone supplementation therapy alone, and with the combination of exercise therapy, to treat pain and dysfunction associated with greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
For more information, visit the GLoBE trial blog page.
Hip muscle structure and function
A functional anatomical study using electromyographic (EMG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations of the deep hip musculature in healthy populations and comparing in those with hip and knee pathology.
For more information, visit the Hip muscle structure and function blog page.