Comparing two treatments for shin splints in amateur football players

Effects of Autogenic Inhibition and Reciprocal Inhibition on Pain, Range of Motion, Function and Sports Performance in Amateur Football Players With Shin Splints.

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06501430

This study is testing two different treatments for shin splints to see which one helps amateur football players feel better and perform better on the field.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment16 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT06501430 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of Autogenic Inhibition versus Reciprocal Inhibition in treating shin splints among amateur football players aged 18-30 from SA Gardens Football Club in Lahore. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, receiving either Autogenic Inhibition or Reciprocal Inhibition over four weeks, with three sessions per week. The study will assess outcomes such as pain relief, range of motion, functional improvement, and sports performance. By exploring muscle energy techniques for athletes with shin splints, this research aims to enhance knowledge in sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are amateur football players aged 18-30 who have been actively participating in sports for at least one year and experience moderate to severe shin splint pain.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of vascular disease, recent lower limb trauma or surgery, malignancy, leg length discrepancy, or biomechanical imbalances may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective treatment options for alleviating shin splints in amateur athletes, improving their performance and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is substantial evidence supporting muscle energy techniques for various musculoskeletal conditions, this specific application for shin splints in athletes is relatively novel and under-researched.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Both genders.
2. Age 18-30 years.
3. Those who are actively taking part in sports from last 1 year.
4. Subjects who have NPRS scores from moderate pain (NPRS 4-6) to severe pain (NPRS 7- 10).
5. Subjects diagnosed with category 2 Shin splints through Shin splint scoring system (Male 2- 14, Female 6-16) and category 3 (Male 14-29, Female 17-29).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of Central or peripheral vascular disease.
2. History of lower limb fracture / Trauma (Any side) in last 6 months.
3. History of lower limb Surgery (Any side) in last 6 months.
4. History of any malignancy.
5. Leg length discrepancy.
6. Biomechanical imbalances.

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Shin SplintFootball PlayersShin SplintsPainSports performance
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.