Effects of resistance training for external snapping hip: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: External snapping hip is a condition characterized by a painful, audible, or palpable snap during hip movement, often accompanied by physical impairments. Progressive resistance training (PRT) has shown feasibility and acceptability in this population, but its clinical and cost-effectiveness has not been evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. This protocol outlines the Snappy Hip trial, which will evaluate the effect of PRT versus no intervention on pain at 12 weeks and compare pain when PRT is initiated immediately versus after a 12-week delay. METHODS: The Snappy Hip Trial is a multicentre, randomized controlled trial. Participants aged 18-40 years with external snapping hip and symptoms within the previous 14 days are randomized to either 12 weeks of PRT followed by 12 weeks of no intervention, or 12 weeks of no intervention followed by 12 weeks of PRT. The primary outcome is change in self-reported pain. Secondary outcomes include hip function, health-related quality of life, use of analgesics, healthcare utilisation, and productivity loss. The analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle and a mixed-effect model will be applied. CONCLUSION: This is the first randomized trial comparing PRT to no intervention, as well as investigating the effect of delaying PRT, for people with external snapping hip. The trial will evaluate whether PRT reduces pain for people with snapping hip. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06924164.