The return to physical activity for children and adolescents with hip pathologies: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION

Most orthopedic surgeons believe patients should resume physical activity (PA) after recovering from hip pathologies; however, guidance regarding PA type, intensity, duration, or long-term restrictions is lacking. Most children do not achieve the recommended 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Children recovering from hip pathologies may be at heightened risk of insufficient PA due to prolonged restrictions.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review will map evidence on PA, sedentary behavior, and movement-related outcomes in children and adolescents with hip pathologies.

INCLUSION CRITERIA: Eligible studies include participants aged 5-17 years diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, developmental dysplasia of the hip, musculoskeletal hip infection, transient synovitis, traumatic hip dislocation, or hip osteochondroma. Case studies, observational studies, randomized controlled trials, reviews, and meta-analyses published in English reporting PA, sedentary behavior, or movement-related outcomes will be included. Studies focused on neuromotor or syndromic conditions, or other significant comorbidities, will be excluded. Articles published between 1974 to August 20, 2025 will be considered.

METHODS

Following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR, we will search five databases from inception, supplemented by grey literature. Two reviewers will screen and extract data. Findings will be summarized descriptively and thematically.

REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework [osf.io/5f7zv].