Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Not Yet Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07646314

Comparative Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Reciprocal Inhibition Techniques inPiriformis Syndrome

Piriformis Syndrome (PS) is a condition which is characterized by pain, numbness, and limited range of motion (ROM) due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. It often leads to discomfort in the buttock region, radiating pain along the posterior thigh, and functional limitations in daily activities. Manual therapy techniques, particularly Muscle Energy Techniques (METs), have been widely used for the management of musculoskeletal dysfunctions, including piriformis syndrome.

Not Yet Recruiting

Trial opening soon.

Get Notified

Key information

Conditions

Piriformis Syndrome Mononeuropathies Nerve Compression Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Neuralgia Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pelvic Pain Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Piriformis Muscle Syndrome Sciatic Neuropathy Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ghurki Hospital Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

Location contact

Hafiza Mahnoor Anwar, MSOMPT

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Hira Shaukat, TDPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

03360405480

About this study

This study will highlight the clinical relevance of METs in piriformis syndrome management and supports the integration of these techniques into routine physiotherapy practice to optimize patient outcomes.This study will be a randomized controlled trial involving -- patients diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. 40 participants will be randomly assigned into two groups. Both groups will receive conservative treatment, including a 10-15minutes cold pack and TENS and 5 minutes of ultrasound therapy application along with stretching (gluets and hamstrings) and strengthening exercises of core and hip stabilizers (gluteus medius, gluteus maximus). Group A will receive an additional 10-minute session of post isometrics relaxation technique of muscle inhibition techniques (METs). In contrast, Group B will receive reciprocal inhibition techniques of muscle energy techniques (METs) for 10 minutes. The intervention will be administered daily for four weeks. Pain intensity, ROM, and functional disability will be measured at baseline and post-intervention using standardized assessment tools

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Piriformis syndrome clinically confirmed via special tests (e.g., FAIR test, Freiberg sign, Pace test)
  • Both gender male and female.
  • Age between 25 and 40 years.
  • Presence of antalgic gait due to pain.
  • Moderate to severe pain (e.g., NPRS score ≥ 4)
  • Voluntary consent to participate in the study.
  • Medically stable, no acute or unstable medical conditions that would interfere with participation.

Exclusion criteria

  • Lumber disc herniation or radiculopathy confirmed by imaging or neurological signs
  • History of hip or pelvis surgery.
  • Other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Recent lower limb fracture or injury within the last 6 months.
  • Pregnancy due to potential risks and altered biomechanics.
  • Inability to follow instruction
  • Ongoing physiotherapy or alternative treatments

Treatment and study plan

Post isometrics Relaxation Techniques (PIR)

Other

Post-Isometric Relaxation is a type of MET in which the target muscle is gently contracted isometrically (without movement) against resistance, followed by a passive stretch during the post-contraction relaxation phase. To reduce muscle tension, increase flexibility, and lengthen tight muscles (like the piriformis in Piriformis Syndrome).

Position the patient in a stretch position for the tight muscle just before the point of resistance. Then ask the patient to perform a gentle isometric contraction of the tight muscle (e.g., piriformis) for about 5-10 seconds against minimal resistance. After contraction, the patient relaxes for a few seconds. During this relaxation, the therapist passively stretches the muscle to a new barrier and holds for 15-30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times. So, the whole treatment session will be of 50 minutes. This technique will be applied twice a week for 4 weeks.

Reciprocal Inhibition Technique

Other

Reciprocal Inhibition is another MET technique where the antagonist of the tight muscle is contracted, which reflexively causes the tight (agonist) muscle to relax. To inhibit the overactive muscle by activating its opposing muscle group, allowing for greater stretch and flexibility. Place the muscle (e.g., piriformis) into a gentle stretch. Ask the patient to contract the antagonist muscle (e.g., hip adductors/internal rotators) for about 5-10 seconds. Therapist then passively stretches the target muscle (e.g., piriformis) further. Repeat 3-5 times. So, the whole treatment session will be of 50 minutes. This technique will be applied twice a week for 4 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. NPRS for assessment of pain

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    To determine the degree of pain that the patient will report, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be utilized.

  2. Lower Extremity Function Test (LEFT)

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The LEFT protocol includes a timed sequence of agility-based tasks, typically performed in a zigzag pattern or shuttle-based layout over a 120-foot course

  3. GONIOMETERY

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Goniometry is the measurement of joint angles in the human body using a tool called a goniometer. It is a standard and essential part of physical therapy and rehabilitation for assessing range of motion (ROM) in various joints

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Imran Amjad

CONTACT

[email protected]

03324390125

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Reciprocal Inhibition Muscle Energy Techniques on Pain, ROM and Function in Piriformis Syndrome

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 12, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.