May 4, 2026 · British journal of sports medicine · DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-110986

Physiotherapist-led treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (the PhysioFIRST study): an assessor-blinded, limited disclosure randomised controlled trial

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The PhysioFIRST study aimed to compare the effectiveness of physiotherapist-led targeted-strengthening treatment (STRENGTH) versus standardised-stretching treatment (STRETCH) on hip-related quality of life and patient-perceived global improvement in individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. The results showed no significant difference in hip-related quality of life between the two groups, but targeted strengthening was associated with greater improvements in perceived pain and hip muscle strength. Both treatment approaches led to clinically meaningful improvements in hip-related quality of life over six months.

Joanne L Kemp, Mark J Scholes, Anne J Smith, Sally L Coburn, Richard R T Johnston, Denise M Jones, Michael A Girdwood, Matthew G King, Benjamin F Mentiplay, Danilo De Oliveira Silva, Marcella Pazzinatto, Anthony G Schache, Diogo A Gomes, Georgia M Coburn, Kay M Crossley

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