An interventional study of Modified clamshell exercise and Clamshell Exercises in Osteo Arthritis of Hip, sponsored by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences. Completed at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 45 Years to 60 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-07-22.
Sponsored by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study focuses on patients diagnosed with Grade II hip osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition characterized by pain, reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, and functional limitations. Hip osteoarthritis is commonly assessed using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification system, with Grade II representing definite osteophyte formation with possible joint space narrowing, where conservative management is strongly recommended. Exercise therapy, particularly strengthening of the hip abductor muscles, plays a key role in improving pelvic stability, reducing pain, and enhancing functional outcomes. Clamshell exercises are widely used to activate the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, while modified clamshell exercises are designed to optimize muscle recruitment and reduce compensatory movements.
A total of 54 participants with Grade II hip osteoarthritis will be included in the study and allocated into three groups. Group A will receive clamshell exercises along with conventional exercise therapy, Group B will receive modified clamshell exercises in addition to conventional exercise therapy, and Group C will receive a conventional exercise program alone. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which ranges from 0 to 10. Hip joint range of motion will be measured using a goniometer, and functional outcomes will be evaluated using the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 (HOOS-12). The aim of this study is to compare the effects of clamshell exercises, modified clamshell exercises, and conventional exercise programs to determine the most effective intervention for reducing pain, improving hip joint range of motion, and enhancing functional outcomes in patients with Grade II hip osteoarthritis.
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of articular cartilage, changes in subchondral bone, osteophyte formation, and narrowing of the joint space. These structural changes lead to pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, gait abnormalities, and functional limitations, ultimately affecting mobility, independence, and quality of life. Hip osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal condition, particularly in middle-aged and older adults, with global prevalence estimates indicating that approximately 5-10% of adults over the age of 45 are affected. Mechanical factors such as altered joint biomechanics, abnormal load distribution across the hip joint, femoroacetabular impingement, repetitive joint loading, previous trauma, and weakness of surrounding musculature play a significant role in the development and progression of the disease.
Radiographic assessment is commonly used to classify the severity of hip osteoarthritis, with the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading system being the most widely accepted. The KL classification ranges from Grade 0 to Grade IV. Grade 0 indicates no radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Grade I shows doubtful joint space narrowing with possible osteophyte formation. Grade II is characterized by definite osteophyte formation with possible joint space narrowing. Grade III includes multiple moderate osteophytes, definite joint space narrowing, sclerosis, and possible bony deformity. Grade IV represents severe osteoarthritis with large osteophytes, marked joint space narrowing, severe sclerosis, and definite bony deformity. Grade II hip osteoarthritis represents an early stage of the disease in which conservative management is strongly recommended to reduce symptoms, improve function, and slow disease progression.
Exercise therapy is a core component of conservative management for hip osteoarthritis and plays a vital role in improving muscle strength, joint stability, range of motion, and overall functional performance. Strengthening of the hip abductor muscles is particularly important, as these muscles contribute to pelvic stability and optimal load transfer during functional activities such as walking and stair climbing. Clamshell exercises are commonly prescribed to activate and strengthen the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. Modified clamshell exercises involve changes in positioning or execution to enhance muscle recruitment, improve neuromuscular control, and minimize compensatory movements, potentially resulting in improved clinical outcomes.
628 studies on the registry are indexed under Osteoarthritis, Hip; 121 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 54 is below the median of 90 across 450 interventional studies indexed under Osteoarthritis, Hip.
Browse Osteoarthritis, Hip studies →Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences is the lead sponsor of 75 studies on the registry; 55 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
Patient with other current lower extremity pathologies (e.g., peripheral vascular disease, septic arthritis)
This group will receive modified clamshell exercises along with conventional exercises.
Other: Modified clamshell exercise · Other: Conventional exercises
Participants in this group will receive clamshell exercises along with conventional exercises.
Other: Clamshell Exercises · Other: Conventional exercises
This group will only receive conventional exercises including TENS, hot pack, bridging, sideways hip lifts, standing hip extension, and double hip rotation exercises.
Other: Conventional exercises
This group will receive modified clamshell exercises along with conventional exercises. Time for each session will be 40 minutes. Patient will receive 3 sessions a weeks for 12 weeks.
This group will receive Clamshell exercises along with conventional exercises. Each session will last for 40 minutes. Patient will receive 3 sessions a weeks for 12 weeks.
This group will only receive conventional exercises including TENS, hot pack bridging, sideways hip lifts, standing hip extension and double hip rotation. time of each session will be 40 minutes. Patient will receive 3 sessions a weeks for 12 weeks.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The VAS is a widely used, valid, and reliable subjective measure of pain intensity, where participants rate pain on a scale from 0 to 10 . A score of 0 means no pain, while 10 represent worst imaginable pain. Participants. The VAS is sensitive to changes over time and is commonly used in clinical and research settings to evaluate treatment effectiveness. Pain intensity will be assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Time frame: 12 weeks
ROM
Range of motion (ROM) of the hip joint will be assessed using a universal goniometer. Goniometric measurement is a standard and objective clinical method used to evaluate joint mobility and functional movement in individuals with hip osteoarthritis. Hip abduction, and external rotation will be measured following standardized positioning and measurement procedures to ensure consistency and reliability. Goniometric ROM measurements provide quantitative data to identify movement limitations, monitor functional improvements, and assess the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise interventions. ROM assessments will be performed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Functional Outcomes
Functional outcome will be assessed using the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 (HOOS-12). The HOOS-12 is a validated, patient-reported outcome measure designed to evaluate hip-related symptoms, pain, and functional limitations in individuals with hip osteoarthritis. It consists of 12 items covering key domains of hip function and quality of life. Each item is scored on a Likert scale, and scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale, with higher scores indicating better hip function and fewer symptoms. The HOOS-12 is sensitive to clinical changes and suitable for both short-term and long-term assessment of functional improvement. Functional outcomes will be measured at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Time frame: 12 weeks
Plan to share: No
This study is completed, as verified in Jul 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences