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

NCT07526012 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: FUI/FUCP/CTR/02.26/Parsa
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Piriformis Syndrome; Low Back Pain; Hip Joint

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Pain Intensity

  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".

  Before Treatment and after 2 weeks.

• Range of Motion

  A universal goniometer will be used to assess hip mobility in: Internal Rotation. ROM will be recorded in degrees.

  Before treatment and after 2 weeks

• Functional Disability

  Oswestry 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.

  Before treatment and after 2 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Group A - Post Isometric Relaxation

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

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

Procedure: Post Isometric Relaxation

Group B - Active Isolated Stretch

EXPERIMENTAL

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

Procedure: Active Isolated Stretching

Interventions

Post Isometric Relaxation PROCEDURE

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

Group A - Post Isometric Relaxation

Active Isolated Stretching PROCEDURE

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.

Group B - Active Isolated Stretch

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Foundation University Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Islamabad, Punjab Province, 46000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Piriformis Muscle Syndrome; Low Back Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Sciatic Neuropathy; Mononeuropathies; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Neuralgia; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Pelvic Pain; Back Pain

Study Officials

• Parsa Saghir, DPT

  Foundation University Islamabad

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Parsa Saghir, DPT

CONTACT

0315-8962525; parsa.saghir@gmail.com

Muhammad Furqan Hassan, MS-OMPT

CONTACT

0333-4056768; furqan.hassan@fui.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: 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.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 6, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: April 7, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 15, 2026
• Last Updated: April 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-05

Locations

PA (1)