Comparison of Core Stability and Hip Strengthening Protocols in Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

NCT07716215 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: RIPHAH/RCRAHS/REC/02287
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 22
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this research is to compare the effects of core stability exercises and hip strengthening exercises on pain, posture, balance, proprioception, and functional status in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Benazir Bhutto Hospital. The sample size will be 22 participants. The subjects will be divided into two groups, 11 subjects in the core stability exercise group and 11 subjects in the hip strengthening exercise group. The study duration will be 6 months. The sampling technique applied will be non-probability purposive sampling. Only 25-55 years individuals with unilateral sacroiliac joint dysfunction for more than 3 months and NPRS score ≥5 will be included. Tools used in the study are Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Pelvic Inclinometer, Flexicurve Ruler, Gait and Balance App, and Joint Repositioning Error test. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 25.

Conditions

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Keywords

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction; Core Stability Exercises; Hip Strengthening Exercises; Low Back Pain; Oswestry Disability Index; Numeric Pain Rating Scale

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Balance (Gait and Balance App)

  Changes from baseline balance will be assessed using the Gait and Balance App, which evaluates postural stability and balance performance during functional activities in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This tool helps identify balance impairments related to lumbopelvic instability.

  4 weeks

• Proprioception (Joint Repositioning Error Test)

  Changes from baseline proprioception will be measured using the Joint Repositioning Error Test, which evaluates the ability of patients to accurately reposition the lumbopelvic region. It helps assess sensorimotor control deficits associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

  4 weeks

• Posture Assessment (Flexicurve Ruler)

  Changes from baseline posture will be assessed using the Flexicurve ruler to measure lumbar curvature and spinal alignment associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

  4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

  4 weeks

• Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

  4 weeks

• Pelvic Alignment (Pelvic Inclinometer)

  4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Core Stabilization Exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive core stabilization exercises

Other: Core Stabilization

Hip Strengthening Exercises

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will receive hip strengthening exercises

Other: Hip Strengthening Exercises

Interventions

Core Stabilization OTHER

Each session will begin with hot pack application over the sacroiliac region for 10 minutes followed by the exercise protocol and cool-down stretching. Treatment will be provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40-45 minutes.

Core Stabilization Exercises

Hip Strengthening Exercises OTHER

Exercises will be performed with resistance at approximately 75-80% repetition maximum for 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions. Each session will start with 10 minutes of hot pack application over the sacroiliac region followed by strengthening exercises and cool-down stretching including hamstring and piriformis stretches. Treatment will be provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40-45 minutes.

Hip Strengthening Exercises

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Patients aged 25-55 years diagnosed with unilateral sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
• Patients having pain in the sacroiliac region for more than 3 months.
• Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score ≥ 5.
• Patients with positive sacroiliac joint provocation tests (such as FABER test, compression test, distraction test, thigh thrust test, or sacral thrust test).
• Individuals able to participate in exercise therapy and follow treatment instructions.

You may not qualify if:

• History of lumbar spine surgery or pelvic surgery.
• Lumbar disc herniation or severe spinal pathology.
• Inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
• Neurological disorders affecting balance or proprioception.
• Recent fracture or trauma of the spine or pelvis.
• Pregnancy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

National physiotherapy center

Rawalpindi, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Low Back Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Back Pain; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Muhammad Affan Iqbal, PhD*

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Saba Naz, MSPT*

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Imran Amjad, PhD

CONTACT

03324390125; Imran.amjad@riphah.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

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 16, 2026
• First Posted: July 21, 2026
• Study Start: June 30, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 15, 2026
• Last Updated: July 21, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)