Mind-Body Intervention for Hip Pain

(HIPS Pilot Trial)

Overseen By Kate Jochimsen, PhD, ATC

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Disqualifiers: Previous hip surgery, Back pain

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 6 weeks

5 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new mind-body treatment called HIPS, designed to help individuals with chronic hip pain. The treatment includes sessions that teach coping skills such as goal-setting, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation. Researchers aim to determine if this approach is feasible and acceptable for participants before conducting a larger study. Ideal candidates are those who have experienced hip pain for at least three months and struggle to stay active due to the pain. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance future treatments for chronic hip pain.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the HIPS intervention is safe for patients with chronic hip joint-related pain?

Research has shown that mind-body treatments like HIPS are usually easy to manage. These treatments often include techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation, which are safe. Studies have found that these methods can help individuals with hip pain and mental health issues become more physically active.

Past research has reported no serious side effects from the treatment. Since HIPS uses non-invasive methods, it is expected to be safe for participants. However, this trial is in its early stages and primarily assesses the treatment's practicality. As a result, there is limited safety information available. Participants should feel free to ask questions to understand how the treatment might affect them personally. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the HIPS treatment because it focuses on empowering patients with chronic hip pain by teaching them coping skills and pain education, unlike standard options such as medications and physical therapy. This mind-body approach includes techniques like SMART goal-setting, coping thoughts, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation, offering a holistic way to manage pain. This could provide patients with tools to manage their condition actively and potentially reduce reliance on medications.

What evidence suggests that the HIPS intervention is effective for chronic hip pain?

Research has shown that mind-body techniques like HIPS, which participants in this trial will receive, can alleviate hip pain. These methods include setting goals, using positive thinking, deep breathing, and relaxing muscles. Studies have found that these techniques can enhance mobility and reduce pain. Early results suggest they can manage long-term pain by promoting relaxation and improving coping mechanisms. Although specific data on HIPS is limited, similar methods have improved quality of life by addressing both physical and mental health. This indicates that HIPS could be a promising approach to help individuals with chronic hip pain feel better and move more easily. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with chronic hip joint-related pain. It's an open pilot study, meaning it's in the early stages and looking to prepare for a larger test later on. Only five people will be chosen, so they're likely looking for specific types of patients who fit their criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

I lead a mostly inactive lifestyle.

I am over 45 and do not have severe arthritis according to my X-ray results.

Exhibits poor psychosocial health by meeting ≥1 of the criteria listed below:

Exclusion Criteria

I have pain coming from my lower back.

I had surgery on my painful hip before.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a 6-session mind-body intervention delivered in person by a trained physical therapist, focusing on relaxation, coping skills, and pain education.

6 weeks

6 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including a virtual exit interview and survey assessments.

24 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• HIPS

Trial Overview The HIPS intervention is being tested, which seems to be a mind-body therapy aimed at managing chronic hip pain. Participants will go through this program and then share their experiences in virtual exit interviews to help refine the approach.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: HIPS Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

A 6-session mind-body intervention that teaches patients with chronic hip joint-related pain (HRP) coping skills (e.g., SMART goal-setting, coping thoughts, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation) and pain education.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Collaborator

Trials

886

Recruited

677,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11122466/

A Mind–Body Intervention to Improve Physical Activity for ... A novel, multimodal mind–body intervention to improve physical activity for individuals with hip-related pain and poor psychological health.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06820242

Open Pilot Trial of a Mind-Body Intervention for Patients ... The goal of this study is to conduct a feasibility open pilot study (N=5) of HIPS with virtual exit interviews among adult patients with chronic hip ...

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/380475698_A_Mind-Body_Intervention_to_Improve_Physical_Activity_for_Patients_with_Chronic_Hip-Related_Pain_Protocol_for_a_Mixed_Methods_Study

A Mind–Body Intervention to Improve Physical Activity for ... Background: Pain and dysfunction persist for most patients following hip-related pain treatment. Additionally, individuals with hip-related ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-hip-pain-1-2025-0aff4

Mind-Body Intervention for Hip Pain (HIPS Pilot Trial) What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment HIPS for hip pain? Research on mind-body wellness interventions, which include relaxation and ...

5. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/search/-KR9pyG3KkGIGVPMRu6fGw/project-details/11060910

Project Details Development and feasibility of a mind-body intervention to improve physical activity for patients with chronic hip pain. Project Number5K23AT011922-04. Former ...

6. jospt.org jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2023.0302

Hip Pain and Movement Dysfunction Associated With ... This is an update to the 2014 Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Hip Pain and Movement Dysfunction Associated with Nonarthritic Hip Joint Pain.

7. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38793081/

A Mind-Body Intervention to Improve Physical Activity for ... A novel, multimodal mind-body intervention to improve physical activity for individuals with hip-related pain and poor psychological health.