RecruitingInterventional

Tailored physiotherapy rehabilitation after revision total hip replacement

This study aims to see if it's possible to conduct a large trial comparing two types of physiotherapy for people who have had their artificial hip joint replaced (revision total hip replacement). One type is a personalised physiotherapy programme with tailored exercises and education. The other is the usual physiotherapy care. Before running a big, expensive trial, this smaller study checks if enough people would like to join, what they think of the treatments, and if they are likely to complete them. It will help us understand if a larger study is practical and useful, ultimately aiming to improve care for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

02 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2026

Musculoskeletal and orthopaedics; elective orthopaedic surgery; arthrosis

What is this study about?

If you've had a total hip replacement and now need to have it replaced again, this is called a revision total hip replacement. After such an operation, physiotherapy is really important to help you recover well. This study wants to find out the best way to help people get back on their feet after this surgery.

Imagine there are two ways to do physiotherapy: one is very personalised, with exercises and education specially chosen for you. The other is the kind of physiotherapy you'd usually get. It's a big question to know which one is better, so doctors want to study this properly. However, doing a large study is a big task and can cost a lot of money.

That's why this smaller, 'feasibility' study is happening first. It's like a practice run. The main goal here isn't to say which physiotherapy is definitely better yet, but to see if it's even possible to run a larger study later on. They want to check if enough people are interested in taking part, if they like the different physiotherapy approaches, and if they can stick with the programme. The results of this study will help them decide if they should move forward with a full-scale research project that could ultimately make a real difference to future patients recovering from revision hip surgery.

Key takeaways

This study compares two types of physiotherapy after hip revision surgery.
It's a small 'feasibility' study to prepare for a potentially bigger one.
Participants will be in the study for about 9 months.
You'll get either tailored physiotherapy or standard physiotherapy.
Your participation helps improve future care for hip revision patients.
All exercises are safe, but minor soreness can occur.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are having either a single revision hip replacement surgery or the final stage of a multi-stage revision hip replacement. You should also be able to move around independently, even if you use a walking aid like a stick or crutches.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are planning to have other leg surgery within 8 months of starting the study. Also, if you have certain health problems with your heart or lungs, or other serious illnesses like cancer requiring treatment like radiotherapy or chemotherapy that would make exercising unsafe, you wouldn't be able to take part. Any other conditions that might stop you from doing the physical tests in the study would also mean you couldn't be included.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you having a single or final-stage revision hip replacement?
Can you move around on your own, even if you use a walking aid?
Are you NOT planning other leg surgery within the next 8 months?
Do you NOT have serious heart, lung, or other conditions that make exercise unsafe (like active cancer treatment)?
Do you NOT have other conditions that would stop you from doing physical tests?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement will last for about 9 months. After your hip revision surgery, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. You won't get to choose which group you're in.

One group will receive the 'THRIVE' physiotherapy. This starts with an assessment, followed by 5 to 8 extra physiotherapy sessions over 12 weeks. These sessions can be in person or online and will involve exercises and advice specially made for you. You'll also get two phone calls later on, at 5 and 7 months after your surgery. The other group will receive 'Usual Care' physiotherapy. This involves an assessment and up to 2 extra physiotherapy sessions over 12 weeks, also in person or online.

Regardless of your physiotherapy group, you'll also have three separate research appointments. One of these will be before your surgery, and the other two will be at 4 months and 8 months after your surgery. Each of these appointments will take about 60 to 90 minutes. During these times, you'll fill out questionnaires about how your hip is doing, your general health, quality of life, how active you are, and how confident you feel. You'll also have some simple tests to check your balance, strength, and how fast you walk.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part in this study, you'll be helping researchers understand if a larger trial should be carried out. This could eventually lead to better care for people recovering from hip revision surgery in the future. All the physiotherapy exercises in this study are safe and are common practices. It's normal to feel a bit sore after exercising, but this should only last for up to three days. If you're in the THRIVE group, you will have more physiotherapy appointments, which means a bigger time commitment from you. Remember, joining is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (4)

Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Approximate
Oxford, England
St Georges Hospital
City only
London, England
North Bristol NHS Trust
City only
Bristol, England
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
City only
Stanmore, England

Common questions

What is a revision total hip replacement?

It's a surgery to replace an artificial hip joint that has already been put in, usually because it has worn out or has a problem.

Why is this study being done?

This smaller study is a practice run to see if it's possible to do a larger study later. The main goal is to find the best type of physiotherapy after revision hip surgery.

Will I know which physiotherapy group I'm in?

Yes, once you're assigned to a group (either tailored physiotherapy or usual care), you will know which treatment you are receiving.

How long will I be involved?

Your involvement in the study will last for about 9 months in total.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a major research funder in the UK.

How to find out more

Alana Morris

alana.morris@ouh.nhs.uk +44 (0)1865 737526 Official trial record

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