Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a drug trial?
No, this is not a drug trial. It is a trial of an education and exercise programme.

What happens if I am not assigned to the education and exercise programme?
If you had attended a healthcare practitioner with this pain, you will continue to follow any advice or treatment recommended. If you self-referred to the trial and had not seen a healthcare practitioner with this problem, then you continue to do as you were doing until the 3-month follow-up appointment at RCSI. We will give you a written information leaflet which explains what gluteal tendinopathy is, and includes some advice about how to manage it.

Where can I find more information about the LEAP-Ireland Project?
Please find more information about our study here.

I have hip pain, and I am on the waiting list for an MRI scan, can I still take part in the study?
Yes, if you are found to be eligible following our screening process, you can still take part in our study.

Do I need a mobile phone or WiFi / internet access to take part?
Yes, to participate in our study, you need to have access to a mobile phone or PC/tablet with internet access.

Where the treatments will take place?
Treatments will be delivered in one of four physiotherapy clinics located in various northside and southside Dublin locations. These are the following:

-Collins Avenue Physiotherapy Clinic
Address: 138A Collins Ave, Beaumont, Dublin, D09 KH57
Website: dublinphysiotherapy.com/

-Physio 64 clinic
Address: Basement, 64 Merrion Square S, Dublin 2, D02 EP46
Website: physio-64-physiotherapist.business.site/#details

-Ranelagh Physiotherapy Clinic
Address: 15A Dunville Ave, Ranelagh, Dublin, D06 F5T7
Website: ranelaghphysio.ie/

You can choose which clinic you wish to attend.

How often will I need to come to RCSI?
You will visit RCSI three times during the trial: once at the beginning, to undergo screening to ensure you meet our criteria for being in the trial, as well as completing baseline questionnaires and hip strength testing, and then two more times; one at 8 weeks from the time you were signed up to the trial and the third visit one month later. You will be contacted by the research team at RCSI to arrange these appointments.

What are the benefits of participating in the LEAP -Ireland Trial?
The information provided by you will help us to understand if the 6 physiotherapy sessions are helpful for people with gluteal tendinopathy, compared to what you are doing so far for your symptoms, or the treatment you are receiving from your healthcare practitioner. This will contribute to improving the quality of gluteal tendinopathy management in Ireland.

Are there any risks of participating in the LEAP-Ireland Trial?
There are no known risks anticipated for this project.
If you are allocated to receive the education and exercise treatment, you may experience some initial short-term soreness with the exercises as you would with usual physiotherapy treatment. This is because the exercises will be focussed on getting the hip muscles stronger and some initial soreness is common when we use muscles in a different way during the strengthening exercises.

What if I sign up to the trial and then change my mind?
Your participation is entirely voluntary. If you initially decide to take part, you can subsequently change your mind without difficulty.

Will I receive any payment for my participation?
No payment will be provided for taking part in this study. The costs of the MRI will be covered and if you are assigned to the exercise and education group, your treatments will be paid for.

Will my information be kept confidential?
Our research team respects your privacy. No information will be given out about your participation in the trial, or any medical information unless required by law. We will be presenting the results of the trial at conferences and in scientific publications, but only summary results will be presented. However, you will not be personally identified in any presentations or publications.

Why would I have an MRI in this trial?
The MRI is used to confirm that there are changes in the gluteal tendon that would indicate there is a tendinopathy present. The screening examination at RCSI will initially provide information about whether the pain in your hip is due to gluteal tendinopathy and if the findings of the screening exam suggest a tendinopathy, then the MRI will be arranged for you by the research team at RCSI.

Where will I have the MRI?
All MRIs will be done at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh. This will be arranged by the research team at RCSI. The MRI department will contact you with the appointment.