HILT in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Ankara Etlik City Hospital64 enrolled

Overview

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. Conservative treatments, including physical therapy modalities and injections, are considered first-line management. High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is a non-invasive modality with greater tissue penetration compared to low-level laser therapy and has shown promising results in musculoskeletal disorders; however, evidence in GTPS is limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of HILT compared with a sham intervention in patients with GTPS, focusing on pain intensity, functional status, and quality of life.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Interventions

High-intensity laser therapy will be applied to the trochanteric region using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser device over 10 sessions (5 sessions per week for 2 consecutive weeks). Treatments will be delivered by an experienced physiotherapist using a standardized protocol and consistent application technique. Total energy per session will be standardized. Participants will also perform a structured home exercise program focusing on hip muscle activation and flexibility.

Sham LaserDEVICE

A sham laser intervention will be applied using the same device and treatment setup without delivering therapeutic laser energy. The number and frequency of sessions will be identical to the active treatment group to ensure blinding. Participants will also perform the same structured home exercise program as the intervention group.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 80 years * Patients diagnosed with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) based on clinical examination * Presence of symptoms for at least 3 months * Pain intensity ≥4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) * No corticosteroid injection or other conservative treatment within the last 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * Hip fracture, tumor, infection, or advanced osteoarthritis * Contraindications to high-intensity laser therapy (e.g., pacemaker, pregnancy, coagulation disorders, anticoagulant therapy, neoplasia, history of epilepsy) * Contraindications to physical activity (e.g., ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, severe respiratory insufficiency) * Peripheral vascular disorders (e.g., thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, lymphedema) * History of trauma within the last 3 months or prior surgery involving the lower extremity or lumbar spine * Neurological disorders or chronic inflammatory diseases

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS)

Pain intensity will be assessed using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst imaginable pain.

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).

Secondary Outcomes

Pressure Pain Threshold (Algometry)

Pressure pain threshold will be measured using a digital algometer at the most tender point over the greater trochanter. Measurements will be performed in lateral decubitus position with perpendicular probe application, increasing pressure at approximately 1 kg/s until the first sensation of pain is reported. Three measurements will be taken at 30-second intervals, and the average value (kg/cm²) will be used for analysis. All measurements will be performed by the same assessor.

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).

Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

The LEFS is a patient-reported outcome measure assessing difficulty in performing 20 daily activities. Each item is scored from 0 (extreme difficulty or unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty), with a total score ranging from 0 to 80, where higher scores indicate better function.

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).

Roles and Maudsley Score (RMS)

The Roles and Maudsley Score is a 4-point categorical scale evaluating patient-perceived recovery, ranging from 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor or unchanged symptoms).

Time frame: 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).

Single-Leg Stance Test

The single-leg stance test assesses balance and hip abductor function. Participants stand on one leg with arms relaxed at the sides, maintaining an upright posture. The duration (in seconds) is recorded up to a maximum of 30 seconds. The test is terminated if balance is lost, the non-stance foot touches the ground, or compensatory movements occur.

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).

HILT in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes

Central Contacts