Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Electrolysis for Hip Pain in Male Ice Hockey Players

NCT07527091 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 1057-25
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 6
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Groin pain is a common and limiting condition in ice hockey players, often related to the high mechanical demands placed on the hip during skating. Repetitive movements involving hip flexion, abduction, and rotation may contribute to functional impairment and persistent symptoms. Recent clinical interest has focused on the relationship between the iliopsoas muscle and the anterior hip capsule, as their close anatomical and functional interaction may play a role in the development of hip-related groin pain. Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided technique used to promote tissue remodeling and pain reduction in musculoskeletal conditions. However, its application to the anterior hip capsule has not yet been investigated. This pilot experimental study aims to evaluate the effects of three sessions of PNE applied to the anterior hip capsule in male ice hockey players with groin pain. The main hypothesis is that this intervention may improve hip function by reducing pain and enhancing mobility and muscle strength. Outcomes include hip flexor strength, hip flexion range of motion, FADIR test results, and patient-reported outcomes measured with the HAGOS questionnaire. Assessments will be performed before and after the intervention, as well as at a 4-week follow-up.

Conditions

Groin Pain; Hip Joint Disorders

Keywords

Ice hockey players; hip joint; groin pain; anterior hip capsule; ileo psoas muscle; Hip flexor strength; Hip range of motion; Musculoskeletal percutaneous electrolysis; Ultrasound-guided intervention; Hip function; Sports-related injury

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Hip and groin symptoms measured with HAGOS questionnaire

  Patient-reported outcomes will be assessed using the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), a validated questionnaire composed of six subscales: Symptoms, Pain, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, Participation in Physical Activities, and Quality of Life. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better function and fewer symptoms.

  Baseline (pre-intervention), 2-3 days post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up

• Hip flexor strength measured with K-Force dynamometer

  Isometric maximum strength of the hip flexor muscles will be assessed using a K-Force dynamometer stabilized on a fixed support. Participants will perform maximal voluntary contractions in a standardized supine position with hip and knee flexed at 90°. Three trials will be performed, and the highest value will be recorded in kilograms (kg).

  Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately post-intervention (after 3 sessions), and 4-week follow-up

• Hip flexion range of motion measured with K-Move device

  Passive hip flexion range of motion will be measured in degrees using a K-Move motion sensor positioned on the anterior thigh. The participant will be assessed in a supine position, and the examiner will move the limb passively until the first resistance is perceived. Three measurements will be performed, and the highest value will be recorded.

  Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up

• FADIR test outcome (positive/negative)

  The FADIR (flexion, adduction, internal rotation) test will be performed as a clinical provocation test to assess hip-related groin pain. The test will be considered positive if it reproduces the participant's typical anterior or groin pain. Results will be recorded as a dichotomous outcome (positive/negative).

  Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up

Study Arms (1)

Percutaneous electrolysis intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive three sessions of ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal percutaneous electrolysis applied to the anterior capsule of the hip.

Other: Ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal percutaneous electrolysis

Interventions

Ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal percutaneous electrolysis OTHER

The intervention consists of the application of ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal percutaneous electrolysis (PNE) to the anterior capsule of the hip. Under aseptic conditions, including skin disinfection, use of sterile gloves, and a disposable ultrasound probe cover, a single-use needle is inserted under real-time ultrasound guidance toward the anterior hip capsule. The needle is introduced with an oblique approach (approximately 45° relative to the skin) until reaching the target tissue. Once positioned, a controlled galvanic current is applied through the needle to induce a localized electrochemical response aimed at promoting tissue remodeling. Each participant will receive a total of three treatment sessions. The procedure is performed by a qualified clinician experienced in ultrasound-guided invasive physiotherapy techniques.

Percutaneous electrolysis intervention

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 21 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Only male participants are included due to the higher prevalence of ice hockey participation in male athletes within the target team and to ensure sample homogeneity in this pilot study.
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male ice hockey players (under-21 team)
• Age between 18 and 21 years
• Presence of groin pain or anterior hip pain
• Positive FADIR test
• Ability to participate in regular training activities
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of concomitant orthopedic or systemic conditions.
• Belonephobia (fear of needles).
• Contraindications to invasive physiotherapy techniques (e.g., infection, skin lesions at the treatment site, bleeding disorders, Allergies to metals.)
• Use of other concurrent treatments targeting the hip during the study period

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Veronique Vidal: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gottardo Arena

Ambrì, Canton Ticino, 6775, Switzerland

Location

Study Officials

• Veronique Vidal, Physiotherapist

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: This study is designed as a single-arm, prospective pilot experimental trial aimed at evaluating the clinical effects of an ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal percutaneous electrolysis (PNE) intervention applied to the anterior capsule of the hip in male ice hockey players with groin pain. All participants will undergo a standardized intervention consisting of three treatment sessions. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after the treatment period (post-intervention), and at a 4-week follow-up. The study focuses on within-subject comparisons to assess changes over time in objective, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 8, 2026
• First Posted: April 14, 2026
• Study Start: February 2, 2026
• Primary Completion: March 23, 2026
• Study Completion: March 23, 2026
• Last Updated: April 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CH (1)