Comparing instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization versus PNF stretching for athletes with piriformis syndrome.
Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in Athletes With Piriformis Syndrome
NA · Riphah International University · NCT07090356
This will test whether instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or PNF stretching better reduces pain and improves hip motion in athletes aged 18–35 with piriformis syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07090356 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial at the Pakistan Sports Board, Lahore randomized 40 professional athletes (ages 18–35) to receive either IASTM or PNF stretching three times per week for four weeks. Baseline and follow-up measurements included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometric hip range of motion (ROM), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The IASTM group received instrument-guided soft-tissue work plus stretching and activation exercises, while the PNF group received contract-relax and hold-relax stretching protocols, both with warm-up and cool-down. Outcomes compare short-term pain, flexibility, and function between the two active physiotherapy approaches.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Professional athletes aged 18–35 with chronic buttock/hip pain, a positive FABER test, inability to sit for long periods, and at least two years of active practice are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with recent trauma (within six months), other significant injuries, systemic illness, pre-existing lower-limb neurological conditions, or prior lower back surgery are excluded and unlikely to benefit from these specific interventions in this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could offer a practical, noninvasive way to reduce pain and improve hip mobility and function in athletes with piriformis syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Related small trials and clinical reports suggest IASTM and PNF can improve soft-tissue pain and ROM, but high-quality head-to-head RCT evidence specifically for piriformis syndrome is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Professional Athletes aged 18 to 35 years. * Chronic pain in the buttock and hip area. * Inability to sit for a prolonged time. * Athletes having positive Faber test * Both male and female athletes * Practicing athletes who are in practice from last 2 years. Exclusion Criteria: * Trauma history from last 6 months. * Other injuries excluding hip pain. * Systemic illness. * Pre-existing neurological conditions affecting the lower limbs * History of lower back surgery
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Pakistan Sports Board — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Hassan, MSPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, Phd PT
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Piriformis Syndrome