Greater Trochanteric Pain SyndromeHILT-GTPSNCT07749066
HILT in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
A study testing High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) in people with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. Conservative treatments, including physical therapy modalities and injections, are considered first-line management. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 64 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2026to 30 Jul 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 to 80 years
- Patients diagnosed with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) based on clinical examination
- Presence of symptoms for at least 3 months
- Pain intensity ≥4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- No corticosteroid injection or other conservative treatment within the last 3 months
Who cannot join
- Hip fracture, tumor, infection, or advanced osteoarthritis
- Contraindications to high-intensity laser therapy (e.g., pacemaker, pregnancy, coagulation disorders, anticoagulant therapy, neoplasia, history of epilepsy)
- Contraindications to physical activity (e.g., ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, severe respiratory insufficiency)
- Peripheral vascular disorders (e.g., thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, lymphedema)
- History of trauma within the last 3 months or prior surgery involving the lower extremity or lumbar spine
- Neurological disorders or chronic inflammatory diseases
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Etlik City Hospital
Ankara, Yenimahalle, 06370
Gizem Suna Tuncer, +905347953185, sunagizem05@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. Conservative treatments, including physical therapy modalities and injections, are considered first-line management.
High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is a non-invasive modality with greater tissue penetration compared to low-level laser therapy and has shown promising results in musculoskeletal disorders; however, evidence in GTPS is limited.
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of HILT compared with a sham intervention in patients with GTPS, focusing on pain intensity, functional status, and quality of life.
- Conditions
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Being tested
- High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT), Sham Laser
- Keywords
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, GTPS, High-Intensity Laser Therapy, HILT, Lateral Hip Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)Device
High-intensity laser therapy will be applied to the trochanteric region using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser device over 10 sessions (5 sessions per week for 2 consecutive weeks). Treatments will be delivered by an experienced physiotherapist using a standardized protocol and consistent application technique. Total energy per session will be standardized. Participants will also perform a structured home exercise program focusing on hip muscle activation and flexibility.
Sham LaserDevice
A sham laser intervention will be applied using the same device and treatment setup without delivering therapeutic laser energy. The number and frequency of sessions will be identical to the active treatment group to ensure blinding. Participants will also perform the same structured home exercise program as the intervention group.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) + Exercise | Active comparator | Participants will receive high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in addition to a standardized home exercise program. The exercise program will include hip strengthening, stretching, and movement control exercises targeting the gluteal muscles and peri-trochanteric soft tissues. HILT will be applied to the greater trochanteric region over 10 treatment sessions (5 sessions per week for 2 consecutive weeks) using a standardized treatment protocol. Receives: Device: High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) |
| Sham Laser + Exercise (Control Group) | Sham comparator | Participants will receive the same standardized home exercise program as the intervention group. In addition, a sham laser treatment will be applied using the same device and treatment setup without delivering therapeutic laser energy. The number and frequency of sessions will be identical to the active treatment group to ensure blinding. Receives: Device: Sham Laser |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst imaginable pain.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Secondary outcomes (4)
Pressure Pain Threshold (Algometry)
Pressure pain threshold will be measured using a digital algometer at the most tender point over the greater trochanter. Measurements will be performed in lateral decubitus position with perpendicular probe application, increasing pressure at approximately 1 kg/s until the first sensation of pain is reported. Three measurements will be taken at 30-second intervals, and the average value (kg/cm²) will be used for analysis. All measurements will be performed by the same assessor.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
The LEFS is a patient-reported outcome measure assessing difficulty in performing 20 daily activities. Each item is scored from 0 (extreme difficulty or unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty), with a total score ranging from 0 to 80, where higher scores indicate better function.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Roles and Maudsley Score (RMS)
The Roles and Maudsley Score is a 4-point categorical scale evaluating patient-perceived recovery, ranging from 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor or unchanged symptoms).
Measured: 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Single-Leg Stance Test
The single-leg stance test assesses balance and hip abductor function. Participants stand on one leg with arms relaxed at the sides, maintaining an upright posture. The duration (in seconds) is recorded up to a maximum of 30 seconds. The test is terminated if balance is lost, the non-stance foot touches the ground, or compensatory movements occur.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Aug 2026
- Study start1 Jun 2026
- Primary completion30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jul 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Greater Trochanteric Pain SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ankara Etlik City HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group study in which patients with GTPS are allocated to HILT or sham treatment, with outcomes assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gizem Suna Tuncer, Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Investigators
- Gizem Suna Tuncer, MD, Specialist Physician, Principal investigator, Ankara Etlik City Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07749066
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AESH-EK-2026-064
- Acronym
- HILT-GTPS
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07749066
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HILT-GTPS / AESH-EK-2026-064
- Conditions
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Keywords
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, GTPS, High-Intensity Laser Therapy, HILT, Lateral Hip Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Etlik City HospitalOther government
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. Conservative treatments, including physical therapy modalities and injections, are considered first-line management.
High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is a non-invasive modality with greater tissue penetration compared to low-level laser therapy and has shown promising results in musculoskeletal disorders; however, evidence in GTPS is limited.
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of HILT compared with a sham intervention in patients with GTPS, focusing on pain intensity, functional status, and quality of life.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group study in which patients with GTPS are allocated to HILT or sham treatment, with outcomes assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) + Exercise | Active comparator | Device: High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)Participants will receive high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in addition to a standardized home exercise program. The exercise program will include hip strengthening, stretching, and movement control exercises targeting the gluteal muscles and peri-trochanteric soft tissues. HILT will be applied to the greater trochanteric region over 10 treatment sessions (5 sessions per week for 2 consecutive weeks) using a standardized treatment protocol. |
| Sham Laser + Exercise (Control Group) | Sham comparator | Device: Sham LaserParticipants will receive the same standardized home exercise program as the intervention group. In addition, a sham laser treatment will be applied using the same device and treatment setup without delivering therapeutic laser energy. The number and frequency of sessions will be identical to the active treatment group to ensure blinding. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Adults aged 18 to 80 years
- Patients diagnosed with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) based on clinical examination
- Presence of symptoms for at least 3 months
- Pain intensity ≥4 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- No corticosteroid injection or other conservative treatment within the last 3 months
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Hip fracture, tumor, infection, or advanced osteoarthritis
- Contraindications to high-intensity laser therapy (e.g., pacemaker, pregnancy, coagulation disorders, anticoagulant therapy, neoplasia, history of epilepsy)
- Contraindications to physical activity (e.g., ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, severe respiratory insufficiency)
- Peripheral vascular disorders (e.g., thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, lymphedema)
- History of trauma within the last 3 months or prior surgery involving the lower extremity or lumbar spine
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)High-intensity laser therapy will be applied to the trochanteric region using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser device over 10 sessions (5 sessions per week for 2 consecutive weeks). Treatments will be delivered by an experienced physiotherapist using a standardized protocol and consistent application technique. Total energy per session will be standardized. Participants will also perform a structured home exercise program focusing on hip muscle activation and flexibility. | Device | High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) + Exercise |
| Sham LaserA sham laser intervention will be applied using the same device and treatment setup without delivering therapeutic laser energy. The number and frequency of sessions will be identical to the active treatment group to ensure blinding. Participants will also perform the same structured home exercise program as the intervention group. | Device | Sham Laser + Exercise (Control Group) |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS)
Time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Pain intensity will be assessed using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst imaginable pain.
4 secondary outcomes
Pressure Pain Threshold (Algometry)
Time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
Time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Roles and Maudsley Score (RMS)
Time frame: 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Single-Leg Stance Test
Time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Recruiting
Enhancing Exercise Adherence Among Patients With Lateral Hip Pain
Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome, Hip Pain
Recruiting
ReneuRx™ (Nerve Selective Therapy) Utilized in Lateral Hip Pain
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome of Both Lower Limbs
Not yet recruiting
Comparing Standard Care Approaches for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome in General Practice
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, Gluteal Tendinopathy
Not yet recruitingPhase 4
Emerging Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
Post-COVID-19 Condition, Ulcerative Colitis
Recruiting
Evaluation of TENEX for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Gizem Suna Tuncer, MD, Specialist Physician principal investigator
Ankara Etlik City Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) in people with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Gizem Suna Tuncer, MD, Specialist Physician (+905347953185, sunagizem05@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) (time frame: Baseline (T0), 2 weeks (end of the treatment period; T1), and 8 weeks after treatment completion (T2).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Aug 2026.