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NCT Number: NCT05459623

Effects of Myofascial Release With and Without EMMETT Technique in Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The iliotibial (IT) tract or band is a lateral thickening of the fascia lata that is composed of the distal fusion of the muscular fascia of the gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata muscles. The iliotibial tract travels along the lateral side of the thigh and across the knee joint, inserting on the lateral epicondyle of the tibia. A tight IT band has been diagnosed in several problems related to the knee including patellofemoral syndrome and iliotibial band syndrome. Several authors have suggested that tightness in the IT band may contribute to patellofemoral syndrome and knee pain by pulling the patella laterally thereby causing abnormal tracking of the patella in the trochlear groove. Stretching of the iliotibial band is frequently recommended in treatment programs for patients with LBP. Because the iliotibial band attaches to the ilium, tightness of this muscle is thought to cause anterior innominate rotation and lateral pelvic tilt. The Ober test is performed to assess tightness in the iliotibial band.

The term myofascial release encompasses various techniques used to release fascial restrictions. Many forms of bodywork that includes a soft tissue technique exist with Bowen therapy, Emmett technique, deep tissue massage, neuromuscular techniques (NMT), Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and foam rolling.

This study focusses on effects of myofascial release with Emmett technique. This study will be conducted in a clinical set up (Saba's physical therapy, rehabilitation and sports injury clinic in Gulberg 3) and will take 6 months. Study will be conducted on 22 subjects involving 11 subjects in each group. Group A will be given myofascial release only and group B will be given myofascial release with Emmett technique. Total duration of study will be three weeks and assessment will be done before treatment and after every week. Numeric pain rating scale, goniometer and vertical jump test are used for assessing pain, flexibility and power respectively.

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Key information

Conditions

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Cumulative Trauma Disorders Knee Injuries Leg Injuries Sprains and Strains Wounds and Injuries

Age range

25 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Riphah IU

Lahore, 54000, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Positive Ober's Test
  • Both males and females
  • Age 25 to 45 years

Exclusion criteria

  • TFL (Tensor Fascia Lata) tightness
  • Any pathological and traumatic conditions, Fractures and Dislocation,
  • Already received few sessions of Manual Therapy treatment
  • Taking corticosteroids, analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Treatment of lower limb myofascial pain or trigger points at the time of the study • Current or previous symptoms of pathology reported in the lower limbs or pelvis

Treatment and study plan

Manual myofascial release

Other

will receive Manual myofascial release to iliotibial band by having the subject to lie in the side lying position on the unaffected side. The upper leg to be tested was rested on the table with hip and knee flexion. Then the therapist applied a few kilograms of force weight along the iliotibial band course proximally to distally. The therapist will repeat this for 6 minutes.

Other names: Group A

Emmett intervention

Other

will receive manual myofascial release and the Emmett intervention with the subject sitting upright on a 45cm wooden chair; light, constant pressure via the middle finger (at a perpendicular angle to the skin) will be applied at both points, three times for 10-20s with 5-10s breaks between. A light sweeping action over the sensory area that will treated will be performed once, using the back of the fingers. The rationale for this is that the light brushing action "disperses the sensory awareness to move without being too heavy or specific enough to create muscular response." The sequence performed on one side will then repeated on the opposite leg. In Ross Emmett's teachings of the technique he insists on treatment of both sides when focusing on the lower body (for balance). Once both sides will be completed, the subject will be instructed to walk around the room for a minute.

Other names: Group B

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale

    Time frame: 2 months

    The 11-point numeric scale ranges from '0' representing one pain extreme (e.g. "no pain") to '10' representing the other pain extreme (e.g. "pain as bad as you can imagine" or "worst pain imaginable").

  2. Range of Motion

    Time frame: 2 months

    Standard Goniometer was used to measure how far you can move or stretch a part of your body, such as a joint or a muscle specifically hip joint

  3. Vertical Jump test

    Time frame: 2 Months

    The Vertical Jump test is designed to measure an applicants lower body strength in . The test is conducted using a vertical jump test gauge. Height was measured in inches or cm The mechanical work performed to accomplish a vertical jump can be determined by using the jump height distance that was measured (using Work = Force x Distance where Force = Mass x Acceleration).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2020
Study completion
2020
First posted
Jul 15, 2022
Registry last updated
Jul 15, 2022

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.

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