Hydrotherapy in mucopolysaccharidosis II
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN16919215 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN16919215 |
| ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) | Nil known |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | Nil known |
| Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) | 317767 |
| Protocol serial number | 22MET03-S, IRAS 317767, CPMS 56760 |
| Sponsor | Salford Royal Organisation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust |
| Funder | MPS Society UK |
- Submission date
- 23/10/2023
- Registration date
- 25/10/2023
- Last edited
- 10/11/2025
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Hydrotherapy (also known as aquatic therapy) is exercise therapy in warm water delivered by a physiotherapist. The unique properties of warm water can improve the movement of stiff or swollen joints, provide relaxation, strengthen weak muscles and alleviate aches and pains. Hydrotherapy has been shown to be particularly effective for pain in other conditions as aquatic buoyancy potentially reduces weight-bearing stresses on joints, bones and muscles. Hydrotherapy also allows the performance of closed-chain exercises, which are potentially painful with greater weight bearing when out of water. The pain syndromes seen in mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS) patients are complex and often multifactorial with elements of neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain and frequently a mixed picture with both. Patients with MPS present with joint, bone, and muscle pain. Non-surgical approaches such as physiotherapy have been advocated as benefitting patients with MPS II. Anecdotal evidence has supported the benefits of hydrotherapy delivered by a physiotherapist in the physiotherapy management of MPS disorders. It has been shown to decrease joint stiffness, reduce pain and improve strength. However, there is limited high-quality evidence currently to support its use as a routine part of care for this group of patients. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrotherapy either positively or negatively on the quality of life of MPS II patients on long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).
Who can participate?
Male patients aged 18-58 years with mucopolysaccharidosis type II
What does the study involve?
The hydrotherapy session will last 30 minutes in a heated pool and an experienced physiotherapist will deliver the programme and assessments. Patients will be asked to attend such sessions once a week for 12 weeks. Prior to the study, at 6 weeks into the study and at the end of 12 weeks patients will be asked to complete a patient satisfaction questionnaire. No blood samples will be collected apart from usual blood tests as part of the routine care in the metabolic clinic.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The study may have a direct benefit to MPS II patients and will help our understanding of the effectiveness of hydrotherapy in the management of joint pain, improved mobility and quality of life in adult patients with MPS type II. No serious risks have been identified. The rare but possible risks include fatigue, trip/slip on entering the pool, and skin irritation. Water inhalation or drowning are risks of hydrotherapy in general.
Where is the study run from?
Salford Royal Organisation, Northern Care Alliance (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
June 2023 to October 2024
Who is funding the study?
MPS Society UK
Who is the main contact?
1. Karolina M Stepien, CI
2. Marie Meehan, Study Coordinator
Contact information
Scientific, Principal investigator
Adult Inherited Metabolic Diseases
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Salford
M6 8HD
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 (0)1612064365 |
|---|---|
| karolina.stepien@nca.nhs.uk |
Public
Stott Lane
Salford
M6 8HD
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 (0)1612064365 |
|---|---|
| marie.meehan@nca.nhs.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomized cross over trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised cross over trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Does hydrotherapy alleviate pain and improve functional mobility in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome)? |
| Study objectives | Hydrotherapy is effective for pain as aquatic buoyancy potentially reduces weight-bearing stresses on joints, bones and muscles. It improves range of movement and reduces reliance on walking aids and the need for painkillers. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 15/06/2023, North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee (3rd Floor, Barlow House, 4 Minshull Street, Manchester, M1 3DZ, United Kingdom; +44 (0)207 104 8014; gmsouth.rec@hra.nhs.uk), ref: 23/NW/1069 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Mucopolysaccharidosis type II |
| Intervention | Participants are randomised into two groups A and B. While group A initially receives the hydrotherapy treatment, group B receives nothing and completes pain and quality of life questionnaires. Then there is a washout period. Then group B receives the treatment whilst group A receives no therapy but completes the questionnaires. The outcome is measured before each treatment and between the treatments. This study design will give 10 data points for analysis. The hydrotherapy lasts 12 weeks and the control arm will last 12 weeks. Overall each patient will participate in the study over 24 weeks. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Quality of life assessed using the Short Form Health Survey 36 scale (performed by nurse) at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks while undergoing hydrotherapy and then separately while in the non-intervention arm |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
Assessed at baseline, at a 6- and 12-week follow-up unless stated otherwise: |
| Completion date | 30/10/2024 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 16 Years |
| Upper age limit | 58 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Target sample size at registration | 5 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Adult MPS II patients (Hunter syndrome; all males aged 18-58 years), who suffer from joint pain and stiffness and/or post-surgical musculoskeletal pain, not responding to analgesic agents 2. Patients with reduced mobility and wheelchair reliance 3. Patients are able to give consent and feedback. In patients with limited capacity, their carers/parents may be asked to help complete the questionnaires. 4. Participants who pass the Trust hydrotherapy risk assessment at baseline |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Contraindications to standard hydrotherapy: acute diarrhoea or vomiting, recent acute cerebral vascular accident (CVA)/deep venous thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE), resting angina, resting shortness of breath, uncontrolled cardiac failure, weight in excess of evacuation equipment, proven chlorine allergy. 2. More severely incapacitated (severe learning needs) and/or immobile patients. 3. The objective Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) score will be used to identify and exclude patients who suffer from predominantly neuropathic pain (rather than musculoskeletal nociceptive-driven pain). This assessment will be performed by a pain specialist. |
| Date of first enrolment | 02/10/2023 |
| Date of final enrolment | 30/09/2024 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
Salford
M6 8HD
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Published as a supplement to the results publication |
| IPD sharing plan | The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study will be published as a supplement to the results publication |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
| Poster results | 01/02/2025 | 10/11/2025 | No | No |
Additional files
Editorial Notes
10/11/2025: A poster was uploaded as an additional file.
02/11/2023: Internal review.
25/10/2023: Study's existence confirmed by the North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee.
