PainRelief.com Interview with:
Troels Kjeldsen
PhD Student, MSc
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital
Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Indgang J, J501 
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University
The Research Unit PROgrez,
Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals

PainRelief.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common degenerative joint disease that results in hip pain and impaired physical function among other consequences for the individual.

Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials of exercise and hip OA have established that exercise is an effective conservative treatment option for reducing pain and improving physical function. In most clinical guidelines, exercise is the recommended first line treatment in combination with patient education and a weight loss intervention if necessary.

However, we know very little about which types of exercise are most effective and there is currently not an evidence basis on which doctors and physiotherapists can make recommendations of one type of exercise over another type.