Comparison of Movement Pattern Training and Manual Therapy for Prearthritic Hip Disorders

Significance: Intra-articular, prearthritic hip disorders (PAHD) result in substantial dysfunction in young adults and are proposed precursors to hip osteoarthritis (OA). Our long term goal is to develop effective treatment strategies for people with PAHD that will improve function, decrease pain and prevent or delay the onset of OA. The purpose of this study is to compare movement pattern training (MoveTrain) and manual therapy (ManTher) in their effect on post-treatment, patient-reported outcomes and targeted impairments thought to contribute to PAHD. This pilot study will collect sufficient data to power a future study that will determine the efficacy of MoveTrain compared to ManTher for people with PAHD. Participants with PAHD will be randomized into one of two treatment groups, MoveTrain or ManTher. The Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) will be the primary outcome measure. A measure of hip adduction motion during functional tasks and quantitative sensory assessment (pain pressure threshold and temporal summation) will be the secondary measures used to assess the effect of respective treatment on the impairments thought to contribute to PAHD, thus addressing the mechanisms of pain. Upon completion of this study, we will be positioned to implement a large RCT (randomized clinical trial) to definitively assess the efficacy of MoveTrain and ManTher to improve PAHD. Specific Aims: To obtain preliminary estimates of effect sizes for planning the future definitive randomized clinical trial, Aim 1 (Function): we will compare post-treatment improvements in hip-specific, patient-reported outcomes among the two treatment groups. After treatment completion: Aim 2 (Mechanism): we will compare pre- and post-treatment measures in lower extremity movement patterns during functional tasks (MoveTrain) and quantitative sensory testing (ManTher). After treatment completion: Aim 3 (Prognosis): we will determine the association among personal factors at bas