Piriformis SyndromeNCT07090356
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus PNF Stretching in Athletes With Piriformis Syndrome
A study testing Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in people with Piriformis Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
A 12-month randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Pakistan Sports Board, Lahore, with 40 athletes (18-35 years) randomly allocated to IASTM (n=20) or PNF (n=20) groups. Interventions were administered 3 times/week for 4 weeks. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Piriformis Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 30 Jul 2024to 30 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Professional Athletes aged 18 to 35 years.
- Chronic pain in the buttock and hip area.
- Inability to sit for a prolonged time.
- Athletes having positive Faber test
- Both male and female athletes
- Practicing athletes who are in practice from last 2 years.
Who cannot join
- Trauma history from last 6 months.
- Other injuries excluding hip pain.
- Systemic illness.
- Pre-existing neurological conditions affecting the lower limbs
- History of lower back surgery
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Pakistan Sports Board
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Hafiz Amir, 04299230383
Rukash Mehar, DPT
About this study
Official title: Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in Athletes With Piriformis Syndrome
A 12-month randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Pakistan Sports Board, Lahore, with 40 athletes (18-35 years) randomly allocated to IASTM (n=20) or PNF (n=20) groups. Interventions were administered 3 times/week for 4 weeks. Outcomes included Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometric hip ROM, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Read the detailed description
The objective of this study will be to compare the effectiveness of IASTM versus PNF stretching to manage Piriformis Syndrome in a 4 - week randomized controlled trial (RCT). Random allocation was done to the IASTM group or the PNF stretching group. Physiotherapy interventions to reduce pain, increase muscle flexibility and increase functional outcomes will be given to both groups.
Before the intervention, all participants will underween a comprehensive assessment, including:
- Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain intensity
- Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability
- Goniometric measurement for hip joint range of motion (ROM)
Group A: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Group
IASTM therapy was provided to participants in whom a specialized instrument was used to apply controlled pressure over the piriformis muscle as well as surrounding soft tissues. The procedure included:
- Warm-up: Light aerobic exercise (5 minutes)
- IASTM Application: Applied over the piriformis muscle in a longitudinal and cross-fiber pattern for 5-7 minutes
- Static stretching of the piriformis and gluteal muscle activation exercises are completed next.
- Cool-down: Light stretching and relaxation
Group B: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching Group
PNF stretching (contract relax; hold relax) was implemented to stretch participants' muscles as flexibly and with as much control as possible. The procedure included:
- Warm-up: Light aerobic exercise (5 minutes)
- PNF Stretching:
- The second technique was based on hold-relax technique during which the participant actively contracted the piriformis muscle against resistance for 5 seconds, followed by a 10 seconds passive stretch.
- Contract relax technique: same as the above but with deeper stretches following an active contraction
- Repeated for 3 sets per session
- Exercises to strengthen the core and hip muscles to provide stability
- Gentle stretching and deep breathing for cool down
Physiotherapy Management (Common for Both Groups)
In addition, the following was provided to all the participants together with their respective interventions:
- Ice/heat application as needed (based on the individual).
- Education \& Ergonomic Advice: Guidance on proper posture, activity modification, and self-care techniques Specific exercises will be assigned to maintain flexibility and strength (Home Exercise Program).
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Being tested
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching
- Medical subject headings
- Piriformis Muscle Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationOther
IASTM therapy will be provided to participants in whom a specialized instrument will be used to apply controlled pressure over the piriformis muscle as well as surrounding soft tissues.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation StretchingOther
PNF stretching (contract relax; hold relax) will be implemented to stretch participants' muscles as flexibly and with as much control as possible.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Experimental | IASTM therapy will be provided to participants in whom a specialized instrument wwill be used to apply controlled pressure over the piriformis muscle as well as surrounding soft tissues. Receives: Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization |
| Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching | Experimental | PNF stretching (contract relax; hold relax) was implemented to stretch participants' muscles as flexibly and with as much control as possible. Receives: Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Measured: 6 weeks
Hip ROM
Goniometry
Measured: 6 weeks
Oswestry Disability Index
Questionaire
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Jul 2025
- Study start30 Jul 2024
- Primary completion30 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Aug 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Piriformis SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Muhammad Hassan, MSPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07090356
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/24/0460
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 21 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 29 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in Athletes With Piriformis Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07090356
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/24/0460
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
A 12-month randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Pakistan Sports Board, Lahore, with 40 athletes (18-35 years) randomly allocated to IASTM (n=20) or PNF (n=20) groups. Interventions were administered 3 times/week for 4 weeks. Outcomes included Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometric hip ROM, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Detailed description
The objective of this study will be to compare the effectiveness of IASTM versus PNF stretching to manage Piriformis Syndrome in a 4 - week randomized controlled trial (RCT). Random allocation was done to the IASTM group or the PNF stretching group. Physiotherapy interventions to reduce pain, increase muscle flexibility and increase functional outcomes will be given to both groups.
Before the intervention, all participants will underween a comprehensive assessment, including:
- Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain intensity
- Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability
- Goniometric measurement for hip joint range of motion (ROM)
Group A: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Group
IASTM therapy was provided to participants in whom a specialized instrument was used to apply controlled pressure over the piriformis muscle as well as surrounding soft tissues. The procedure included:
- Warm-up: Light aerobic exercise (5 minutes)
- IASTM Application: Applied over the piriformis muscle in a longitudinal and cross-fiber pattern for 5-7 minutes
- Static stretching of the piriformis and gluteal muscle activation exercises are completed next.
- Cool-down: Light stretching and relaxation
Group B: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching Group
PNF stretching (contract relax; hold relax) was implemented to stretch participants' muscles as flexibly and with as much control as possible. The procedure included:
- Warm-up: Light aerobic exercise (5 minutes)
- PNF Stretching:
- The second technique was based on hold-relax technique during which the participant actively contracted the piriformis muscle against resistance for 5 seconds, followed by a 10 seconds passive stretch.
- Contract relax technique: same as the above but with deeper stretches following an active contraction
- Repeated for 3 sets per session
- Exercises to strengthen the core and hip muscles to provide stability
- Gentle stretching and deep breathing for cool down
Physiotherapy Management (Common for Both Groups)
In addition, the following was provided to all the participants together with their respective interventions:
- Ice/heat application as needed (based on the individual).
- Education \& Ergonomic Advice: Guidance on proper posture, activity modification, and self-care techniques Specific exercises will be assigned to maintain flexibility and strength (Home Exercise Program).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Experimental | Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationIASTM therapy will be provided to participants in whom a specialized instrument wwill be used to apply controlled pressure over the piriformis muscle as well as surrounding soft tissues. |
| Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching | Experimental | Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation StretchingPNF stretching (contract relax; hold relax) was implemented to stretch participants' muscles as flexibly and with as much control as possible. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Professional Athletes aged 18 to 35 years.
- Chronic pain in the buttock and hip area.
- Inability to sit for a prolonged time.
- Athletes having positive Faber test
- Both male and female athletes
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Trauma history from last 6 months.
- Other injuries excluding hip pain.
- Systemic illness.
- Pre-existing neurological conditions affecting the lower limbs
- History of lower back surgery
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue MobilizationIASTM therapy will be provided to participants in whom a specialized instrument will be used to apply controlled pressure over the piriformis muscle as well as surrounding soft tissues. | Other | Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization |
| Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation StretchingPNF stretching (contract relax; hold relax) will be implemented to stretch participants' muscles as flexibly and with as much control as possible. | Other | Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: 6 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Hip ROM
Time frame: 6 weeks
Goniometry
Oswestry Disability Index
Time frame: 6 weeks
Questionaire
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Jul 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Muhammad Hassan, MSPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching in people with Piriformis Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Imran Amjad, Phd PT (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Jul 2025.