Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07526012

Comparative Effects Of Post Isometric Relaxation Versus Active Isolated Stretch In Patients With Piriformis Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the comparative effects of post-isometric relaxation (PIR) and active isolated stretch (AIS) techniques on reducing pain, improving range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in individuals with piriformis syndrome. A total of 40 participants will be recruited, aged 20-55 yrs, with confirmed piriformis syndrome. Participants will be randomized into two equal groups. Group A (post isometric relaxation) and Group B (active isolated stretch). Both groups will receive Conventional Therapy (Thermotherapy, Electrotherapy).

Study variables include:

* Independent Variable: Post Isometric Relaxation and Active Isolated Stretching. * Dependent Variables: Pain (measured by Visual Analog Scale), Functional Disability (assessed via Oswestry Disability Index), Range of Motion (assessed via Goniometer). * Control Variables: Age, Gender, BMI, Baseline Pain/ Disability Scores/ROM

The intervention will last 2 weeks with 6 sessions (3 sessions per week). Assessments will be conducted at baseline (Week 1, Pre-treatment) and Post every second session. Data will be analyzed to compare immediate and short-term effects of the two interventions.

This study aims to provide evidence for targeted manual therapy approaches in priformis syndrome, potentially guiding clinicians toward the most effective technique for pain reduction, improve ROM and decrease functional disability.

Recruiting

Interested in participating?

Request Info

Key information

Conditions

Piriformis Syndrome Back Pain Hip Joint Low Back Pain 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

20 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

This Randomized Controlled Trial aims to effects of post-isometric relaxation (PIR) and active isolated stretch (AIS) techniques on reducing pain, improving range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in individuals with piriformis syndrome.

A Total of 40 participants will be recruited and randomized equally into two groups.

  • Group A: Post Isometric Relaxation
  • Group B: Active Isolated Stretching

Both groups will additionally receive conventional management (TENs, Heating).

INTERVENTION SCHEDULE:

  • Duration: 2 weeks
  • Frequency: 3 Sessions/week
  • Total Sessions: 6 Sessions per participant

Group A (PIR): In this group, participant is asked to performed an isometric contraction in supine lying position with one leg crossed over the other, in which participant contracts the targeted muscle against resistance for about 6 to 10 seconds, followed by a relaxation phase of approximately 3 seconds Group B (AIS): In this group participant actively moves the limb to the end range of motion, followed by a brief, 1-2 second stretch applied by the therapist. Move the non-exercising leg across midline and rotate inward. The exercising leg is flexed at a 90° angle at the knee. Move the knee close to the opposite-side breast. Clasp the knee with the near hand and the top of the ankle with the far side hand. Rotate the thigh outward, moving the loot toward the surface with the far-side hand. This process is repeated for 8-10 repetitions.

ASSESSMENTS:

  • Conducted at Baseline (Pre-Intervention) and post-intervention (end of week 2)
  • Outcomes: Pain Intensity (VAS), Functional Disability (Oswestry Disability Index), ROM (Goniometer)

DATA ANALYSIS:

Intra-group comparisons (Pre vs Post) and Inter-group comparisons (PIR vs AIS) will be performed at the end of the 2-week intervention.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age between 20-55 years
  • Both genders
  • Buttock pain that may radiates to posterior thigh but not beyond the knee
  • Pain aggravated by sitting, climbing stairs or hip rotation.
  • Tenderness upon palpation over the sciatic foramen.
  • Positive FAIR test.

Exclusion criteria

  • Malignancies
  • History of steroid therapy over 3 months
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
  • Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
  • Osteoporosis
  • Fracture of the femur
  • Hip deformity

Treatment and study plan

Post Isometric Relaxation

Procedure

Participants allocated to this arm will receive Post Isometric Relaxation. Each participant will undergo 6 sessions over 2 weeks (3 Sessions/week), and receive Conventional Physiotherapy

Active Isolated Stretching

Procedure

Participants allocated to this arm will receive Active Isolated Stretching. Each participant will undergo 6 sessions over 2 weeks (3 Sessions/week), and receive Conventional Physiotherapy.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Before Treatment and after 2 weeks.

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to measure the intensity of pain before and after the intervention. Participants will mark their level of pain on a 100 mm horizontal line, where:

    0 mm indicates "no pain", and 100 mm indicates "the worst imaginable pain".

  2. Range of Motion

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 2 weeks

    A universal goniometer will be used to assess hip mobility in: Internal Rotation.

    ROM will be recorded in degrees.

  3. Functional Disability

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 2 weeks

    Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) It is used to measure functional disability. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is one of the condition-specific questionnaires recommended for use with back pain patients.

    Interpretation:

    0-20%: Minimal disability. 21-40%: Moderate disability. 41-60%: Severe disability (needs investigation). 61-80%: Crippled (needs active treatment). 81-100%: Bed-bound or exaggerating.

Study contacts

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

Muhammad Furqan Hassan, MS-OMPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

0333-4056768

Parsa Saghir, DPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

0315-8962525

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Foundation University Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 13, 2026
Registry last updated
May 20, 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.