Amit Momaya, M.D., chief of Sports Medicine and associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, in collaboration with UAB Physical Therapy and Andrews Sports Medicine, recently co-authored a published article titled “Demographic and Clinical Correlates of Device-Measured Physical Activity Levels in Individuals with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.”

The study aimed to “compare physical activity levels between individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and uninjured controls and determine correlates of moderate to vigorous physical activity.”

FAIS, also referred to as hip impingement, occurs when the bones of the hip joint are irregularly shaped, causing them to rub against one another and ultimately resulting in hip and/or groin pain.

Study results showed that people with FAIS engage in less daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), take fewer steps each day, and are less likely to meet recommended physical activity guidelines compared to those without the condition. Lower MVPA is linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and lower HOOS-Quality of Life scores. To mitigate the risk of future health issues associated with reduced physical activity and increased BMI, interventions should be developed to encourage individuals with FAIS to become more physically active.