OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the destruction of the joint cartilage. Programmes based on quadriceps strengthening are now evidence-based but recently more importance is being given to optimal core stability. This study aimed at exploring the effects of a 12-week core exercise programme on pain and functional levels in patients with hip OA. METHODOLOGY: A randomised controlled trial was carried out, with 60 participants randomly allocated into 3 groups. Participants in the control group received no intervention, whereas the others performed hip and hip and core exercises for a period of 12 weeks. All participants were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), 6 min Walk Test (6MWT), muscle testing and core stability at baseline and on completion of the 12-week exercise programme. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Malta's Faculty Research Ethics Committee REC FORM V_15062020 6302 and ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04771936. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements for participants in the hip and core exercise group were obtained in the 6MWT (p = 0.001), NPRS (p = 0.009), WOMAC (p = 0.005), core stability (p = 0.001). Participants enrolled in the hip exercise group also had significant improvements, in the 6MWD (p < 0.001); NPRS (p = 0.035) and WOMAC (p < 0.001) but not Core stability (p = 0.704). Participants in the control group registered no changes. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week exercise programme resulted in clinical and statistically significant improvements, ones mostly pronounced in the hip and core exercise group.

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