Piriformis Syndrome
Conditions
Keywords
Piriformis Syndrome/ Low-Level Laser Therapy /Shockwave Therapy /Therapeutic Exercise
Brief summary
This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy combined with exercise versus radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy combined with exercise in patients with piriformis syndrome. The interventions were applied over four weeks, and outcomes included pain intensity, functional disability, range of motion, and quality of life.
Detailed description
Piriformis syndrome is a common musculoskeletal condition that contributes to chronic low back and gluteal pain, often leading to functional limitations. This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with therapeutic exercise versus radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) combined with exercise in patients with piriformis syndrome. A total of 70 participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Both interventions were administered over a period of four weeks, with follow-up assessment conducted one month post-treatment. Outcome measures included pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), hip range of motion (ROM), and quality of life using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Inclusion criteria: Adults aged 18 to 65 years who had a confirmed diagnosis of piriformis syndrome. piriformis syndrome required a positive FAIR test and EMG evidence of sciatic nerve involvement. Eligible participants had chronic symptoms lasting at least three months and a baseline Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of ≥4. Exclusion criteria: Participants were excluded if they had a history of surgical interventions involving the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint, or hip; systemic inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis; neurological disorders impairing lower limb function; or were pregnant or lactating. Individuals with malignancy, bleeding disorders, or pacemaker implantation Pain Intensity measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Functional Disability - Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess functional impairment in lower back pain and functional limitations., Range of Motion (ROM):It had been used to assess joint mobility will be assessed using a standard goniometer, Quality of Life - Short Form-36 (SF-36): Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire assessment performed at baseline , posttreatment after 4 weeks and 3 months follow up post treatment
Interventions
DEVICELow-Level Laser Therapy + Therapeutic Exercise
Participants receive low-level laser therapy combined with a structured therapeutic exercise program for management of piriformis syndrome.
DEVICERadial Shockwave Therapy + Therapeutic Exercise
Participants receive radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy combined with a structured therapeutic exercise program for management of piriformis syndrome.
Sponsors
Beni-Suef University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Blinding of participants was not feasible due to the nature of physical therapy modalities.
Intervention model description
This study is randomized controlled design in which participants were allocated into two independent groups. One group received low-level laser therapy combined with therapeutic exercise, while the other group received radial shockwave therapy combined with the same exercise protocol. Outcomes were compared between the two groups at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 18 to 65 years who had a confirmed diagnosis of piriformis syndrome. piriformis syndrome required a positive FAIR test and EMG evidence of sciatic nerve involvement. Eligible participants had chronic symptoms lasting at least three months and a baseline Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of ≥4.
Exclusion criteria
* Participants were excluded if they had a history of surgical interventions involving the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint, or hip; systemic inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis; neurological disorders impairing lower limb function; or were pregnant or lactating. Individuals with malignancy, bleeding disorders, or pacemaker implantation
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pain Intensity | 1. Baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and 3-month follow-up | 1\. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). |
| 2. Hip Range of Motion | Baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and 3-month follow-up | Hip joint range of motion will be measured in degrees using a standard universal goniometer. |
| 3. Quality of Life | Baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and 3-month follow-up | Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. |
| Functional Disability | Baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and 3-month follow-up | Functional disability will be evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), which measures disability related to low back and gluteal pain. |
Countries
Egypt
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORSahar M Abdelmutilibe, PHD
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni Suef University, Cairo, Egypt
Outcome results
None listed