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Comparative Effects Of Post Isometric Relaxation Versus Active Isolated Stretch In Patients With Piriformis Syndrome

Comparative Effects Of Post Isometric Relaxation Versus Active Isolated Stretch In Patients With Piriformis Syndrome

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07526012
Enrollment
40
Registered
2026-04-13
Start date
2026-05-20
Completion date
2026-07-15
Last updated
2026-05-20

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Piriformis Syndrome, Low Back Pain, Hip Joint

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the comparative effects of post-isometric relaxation (PIR) and active isolated stretch (AIS) techniques on reducing pain, improving range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in individuals with piriformis syndrome. A total of 40 participants will be recruited, aged 20-55 yrs, with confirmed piriformis syndrome. Participants will be randomized into two equal groups. Group A (post isometric relaxation) and Group B (active isolated stretch). Both groups will receive Conventional Therapy (Thermotherapy, Electrotherapy). Study variables include: * Independent Variable: Post Isometric Relaxation and Active Isolated Stretching. * Dependent Variables: Pain (measured by Visual Analog Scale), Functional Disability (assessed via Oswestry Disability Index), Range of Motion (assessed via Goniometer). * Control Variables: Age, Gender, BMI, Baseline Pain/ Disability Scores/ROM The intervention will last 2 weeks with 6 sessions (3 sessions per week). Assessments will be conducted at baseline (Week 1, Pre-treatment) and Post every second session. Data will be analyzed to compare immediate and short-term effects of the two interventions. This study aims to provide evidence for targeted manual therapy approaches in priformis syndrome, potentially guiding clinicians toward the most effective technique for pain reduction, improve ROM and decrease functional disability.

Detailed description

This Randomized Controlled Trial aims to effects of post-isometric relaxation (PIR) and active isolated stretch (AIS) techniques on reducing pain, improving range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in individuals with piriformis syndrome. A Total of 40 participants will be recruited and randomized equally into two groups. * Group A: Post Isometric Relaxation * Group B: Active Isolated Stretching Both groups will additionally receive conventional management (TENs, Heating). INTERVENTION SCHEDULE: * Duration: 2 weeks * Frequency: 3 Sessions/week * Total Sessions: 6 Sessions per participant Group A (PIR): In this group, participant is asked to performed an isometric contraction in supine lying position with one leg crossed over the other, in which participant contracts the targeted muscle against resistance for about 6 to 10 seconds, followed by a relaxation phase of approximately 3 seconds Group B (AIS): In this group participant actively moves the limb to the end range of motion, followed by a brief, 1-2 second stretch applied by the therapist. Move the non-exercising leg across midline and rotate inward. The exercising leg is flexed at a 90° angle at the knee. Move the knee close to the opposite-side breast. Clasp the knee with the near hand and the top of the ankle with the far side hand. Rotate the thigh outward, moving the loot toward the surface with the far-side hand. This process is repeated for 8-10 repetitions. ASSESSMENTS: * Conducted at Baseline (Pre-Intervention) and post-intervention (end of week 2) * Outcomes: Pain Intensity (VAS), Functional Disability (Oswestry Disability Index), ROM (Goniometer) DATA ANALYSIS: Intra-group comparisons (Pre vs Post) and Inter-group comparisons (PIR vs AIS) will be performed at the end of the 2-week intervention.

Interventions

PROCEDUREPost Isometric Relaxation

Participants allocated to this arm will receive Post Isometric Relaxation. Each participant will undergo 6 sessions over 2 weeks (3 Sessions/week), and receive Conventional Physiotherapy

Participants allocated to this arm will receive Active Isolated Stretching. Each participant will undergo 6 sessions over 2 weeks (3 Sessions/week), and receive Conventional Physiotherapy.

Sponsors

Foundation University Islamabad
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups: * Group A will receive Post Isometric Relaxation + Conventional Therapy * Group B will receive Active Isolated Stretching + Conventional Therapy Both groups will undergo interventions simultaneously over a 2-week period (6 sessions total, 3 sessions/week). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, and post-intervention, with results compared between the two groups.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age between 20-55 years * Both genders * Buttock pain that may radiates to posterior thigh but not beyond the knee * Pain aggravated by sitting, climbing stairs or hip rotation. * Tenderness upon palpation over the sciatic foramen. * Positive FAIR test.

Exclusion criteria

* Malignancies * History of steroid therapy over 3 months * Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis * Avascular necrosis of the femoral head * Osteoporosis * Fracture of the femur * Hip deformity

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain IntensityBefore Treatment and after 2 weeks.The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to measure the intensity of pain before and after the intervention. Participants will mark their level of pain on a 100 mm horizontal line, where: 0 mm indicates "no pain", and 100 mm indicates "the worst imaginable pain".
Range of MotionBefore treatment and after 2 weeksA universal goniometer will be used to assess hip mobility in: Internal Rotation. ROM will be recorded in degrees.
Functional DisabilityBefore treatment and after 2 weeksOswestry Disability Index (ODI) It is used to measure functional disability. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is one of the condition-specific questionnaires recommended for use with back pain patients. Interpretation: 0-20%: Minimal disability. 21-40%: Moderate disability. 41-60%: Severe disability (needs investigation). 61-80%: Crippled (needs active treatment). 81-100%: Bed-bound or exaggerating.

Countries

Pakistan

Contacts

CONTACTParsa Saghir, DPT
parsa.saghir@gmail.com0315-8962525
CONTACTMuhammad Furqan Hassan, MS-OMPT
furqan.hassan@fui.edu.pk0333-4056768
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORParsa Saghir, DPT

Foundation University Islamabad

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: May 21, 2026