RecruitingObservational

Exercise and analgesia for rehabilitation following hip fracture surgery

This study explores how muscles recover after surgery for a broken hip in people aged 60 and over. Researchers want to understand exactly what happens to muscle cells and how much muscles grow and strengthen through exercise. Participants will attend supervised exercise sessions and receive one of two common painkiller types. The study will measure muscle changes using scans, physical tests, and tiny muscle samples. The aim is to find better ways to help people get back on their feet and stay independent after a hip fracture. There's no immediate benefit to participants, but the findings could help future patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Acute fragility fracture of the hip requiring surgical management

What is this study about?

When we get older, our bones and muscles can become weaker, making a broken hip more likely if we fall. A broken hip often means a hospital stay and an operation. It can also make it harder to walk or live independently afterwards. This study wants to understand how muscles mend after hip surgery and how we can help them get stronger and work better.

We're specifically looking at how exercise training affects muscle recovery. Participants will do regular, supervised exercises, and we'll compare how their mended leg recovers compared to their uninjured leg. We're also curious about how common painkillers, called NSAIDs, might affect muscle recovery. By understanding these things, we hope to find new and better ways to help people recover more fully after breaking a hip.

This research uses special tests, like looking at muscle cells, taking scans, and doing physical assessments, to get a clear picture of how muscles respond. The results will help doctors and therapists develop improved rehabilitation plans, making a real difference to the lives of older adults recovering from a hip fracture.

Key takeaways

The study explores how exercise and painkillers affect muscle recovery after hip fracture surgery.
It aims to improve future rehabilitation and understanding of muscle ageing.
Participation involves 12 weeks of supervised exercise and taking one of two types of painkillers.
Tests include muscle scans, small muscle samples, blood tests, and physical assessments.
You must be 60 or older and have had recent hip fracture surgery.
No immediate personal benefit, but may help future patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 60 or older who have recently had surgery for a broken hip. It's important that you understand English and are able to give your consent to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently had a knee replacement on the same leg, or if you have certain health conditions like severe kidney problems, specific heart conditions, or uncontrolled diabetes. Also, if you have a known allergy or serious reaction to ibuprofen or similar painkillers (NSAIDs), or if you're taking certain regular medications like strong blood thinners, you might not be eligible.

The research team will carefully check all health information to make sure it's safe for you to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 60 years old or older?
Have you recently had surgery for a broken hip?
Do you understand English?
Are you able to give your consent to take part?
Do you have any severe kidney, heart, or liver problems?
Do you have a history of serious stomach ulcers, bleeding related to NSAIDs, or severe allergies to ibuprofen?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to join the study shortly after being admitted to hospital for your broken hip. About four weeks after your surgery, you'll start a 12-week exercise programme. This means attending the hospital twice a week for supervised gym sessions.

You'll also be randomly assigned to receive one of two types of painkiller for a period: one will include a common painkiller called an NSAID, and the other will not.

Throughout the study, you'll have: * Muscle scans (whole-body MRI) before and after the exercise programme to see how your muscles change. * Four small muscle samples (called microbiopsies) taken from your thigh muscle at different times during your exercise sessions. * Blood samples taken at five different times. * One stool sample collected within the first two weeks after your operation. * If your hip replacement surgery involves removing a part of the bone, that bone piece will be collected for analysis. * You'll also complete four questionnaires, have three hand strength and walking assessments, and undergo two glucose tolerance tests.

Potential risks and benefits

There won't be any immediate direct benefit to you from taking part, but the information we gather could help improve how people recover from hip fractures in the future. The exercise sessions provided are supervised and more focused than usual NHS physiotherapy, which might help your own muscle strength. The findings will help us understand more about ageing muscles and could lead to new treatments. There are some potential risks. The small muscle samples might cause minor discomfort, bruising, or soreness for a day or two, but this is usually much less than the pain from the hip surgery itself. You will be randomly assigned to take certain painkillers; NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) have been used for many years, and their risks are generally known. While rare, they can sometimes cause stomach issues, like ulcers or bleeding, or affect kidney function. The research team will carefully screen you to minimise these risks and will monitor your blood tests closely throughout the study. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (1)

Queen's Medical Centre
Approximate
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is an NSAID?

NSAID stands for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. These are common painkillers like ibuprofen, which help reduce pain and swelling.

How long will I be in the study?

The study runs from January 2025 to October 2026, but your personal participation would involve joining after your hip surgery and then completing the 12-week exercise program and follow-up tests.

What is a muscle biopsy?

A muscle biopsy is a very small sample of your muscle, taken with a needle. This allows researchers to look at the muscle cells up close to understand how they are recovering.

Will I know which painkiller I am taking?

No, for the study to be fair, you will be randomly assigned to one of the painkiller groups, and you won't know which one you are receiving – this is called being 'blinded'.

Where does the study take place?

Participants will be recruited from Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham. Follow-up visits, including physiotherapy and scans, will take place at the University of Nottingham.

How to find out more

Christopher Deacon

christopher.deacon@nottingham.ac.uk +44 1158231113 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.