Gluteal activation with or without core strengthening for Dead Butt Syndrome

Comparison of Gluteal Muscle Activation and Core Strengthening in Dead Butt Syndrome

This trial tests whether adding core-strengthening exercises to gluteal activation helps adults with Dead Butt Syndrome reduce pain, improve strength, and sit or walk more comfortably.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 55 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Riphah International University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Islamabad)
• Trial ID: NCT07576114 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will enroll 40 adults with subacute or chronic Dead Butt Syndrome and randomly assign 20 participants to gluteal activation exercises and 20 to gluteal activation plus core-strengthening exercises. Participants will be recruited by convenience sampling and randomized using a sealed-envelope method, with interventions delivered at regional rehabilitation centers. Outcomes will include measures of gluteal muscle activation, core strength, and patient-reported symptoms and function, tracked over a 12-month period. The trial is sponsored by Riphah International University and conducted at participating centers in the Islamabad–Rawalpindi area.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with Dead Butt Syndrome for more than six weeks who are sedentary to moderately active and not currently doing focused gluteal or core training are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are pregnant, have diagnosed hip labral tears, piriformis syndrome, unrelated sciatica, major degenerative or neurological conditions, recent significant spinal surgery, or who already exercise regularly may not benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, combining core strengthening with gluteal activation could reduce buttock pain and weakness and improve sitting tolerance and walking function.

How similar studies have performed: Related exercise programs targeting hip/glute activation and core strengthening have shown modest benefits for hip- and low-back–related pain, but randomized evidence specific to Dead Butt Syndrome is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Symptoms persisting for more than 6 weeks (subacute or chronic cases).
* Sedentary to moderately active individuals (i.e., not involved in heavy gluteal-strengthening or core training for at least 3 months prior to the study). vParticipants will be diagnosed with Dead Butt Syndrome based on the presence of at least two out of three of the following criteria:
* Self-reported dull ache, discomfort, or tightness in the gluteal region worsened with prolonged sitting or walking.
* Positive Trendelenburg Test
* ≤ 4/5 on the standard MRC grading scale

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the study period.
* Diagnosed hip labral tears, piriformis syndrome, or sciatica unrelated to gluteal amnesia.
* Degenerative or neurological conditions such as osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injury.
* History of significant spinal trauma or surgery in the past 12 months.
* Engagement in regular physical exercise or participation in rehabilitation programs within the last 6 months.

Where this trial is running

Islamabad

• Riphah University Islamabad — Islamabad, Pakistan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Attiq Ur Rehman, MS — Riphah International University
• Study coordinator: REHMAT KHATOON, MS-OMPT

Conditions: Syndrome, Dead Butt Syndrome, Gluteal Muscle Activation, Core Strengthening