Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 55

Gluteal activation with or without core strengthening for Dead Butt Syndrome

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

Run by Riphah International University · NCT07576114 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorRiphah International University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 5, 2025
Main results expectedMay 5, 2026
Study endsMay 28, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT07576114 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running

  • Riphah University Islamabad
    Islamabad, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.