Piriformis SyndromeNCT07526012
Comparative Effects Of Post Isometric Relaxation Versus Active Isolated Stretch In Patients With Piriformis Syndrome
A study testing Post Isometric Relaxation and Active Isolated Stretching in people with Piriformis Syndrome and Low Back Pain, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Piriformis Syndrome, Low Back Pain, Hip Joint
- What is being tested?
- Post Isometric Relaxation and Active Isolated Stretching
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 20 May 2026to 15 Jul 2026
- 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 20 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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
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
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Punjab Province, 46000
Parsa Saghir, DPT, 0315-8962525, parsa.saghir@gmail.com
Muhammad Furqan Hassan, MS-OMPT, 0333-4056768, furqan.hassan@fuie.edu.pk
About this study
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:
Read more
- 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.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome, Low Back Pain, Hip Joint
- Being tested
- Post Isometric Relaxation, Active Isolated Stretching
- Medical subject headings
- Piriformis Muscle Syndrome, Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Post Isometric RelaxationProcedure or surgery
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 StretchingProcedure or surgery
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A - Post Isometric Relaxation | Active comparator | 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 Receives: Procedure: Post Isometric Relaxation |
| Group B - Active Isolated Stretch | Experimental | 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 Receives: Procedure: Active Isolated Stretching |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
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".
Measured: Before Treatment and after 2 weeks.
Range of Motion
A universal goniometer will be used to assess hip mobility in: Internal Rotation.
ROM will be recorded in degrees.
Measured: Before treatment and after 2 weeks
Functional Disability
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.
Measured: Before treatment and after 2 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Apr 2026
- Study start20 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Jul 2026 (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
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups: * Group A will receive Post Isometric Relaxation + Conventional Therapy * Group B will receive Active Isolated Stretching + Conventional Therapy Both groups will undergo interventions simultaneously over a 2-week period (6 sessions total, 3 sessions/week). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, and post-intervention, with results compared between the two groups.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Parsa Saghir, DPT, Principal investigator, Foundation University Islamabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07526012
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/FUCP/CTR/02.26/Parsa
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 20 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects Of Post Isometric Relaxation Versus Active Isolated Stretch In Patients With Piriformis Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07526012
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/FUCP/CTR/02.26/Parsa
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome, Low Back Pain, Hip Joint
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Apr 2026 (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.
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.
Detailed description
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups: * Group A will receive Post Isometric Relaxation + Conventional Therapy * Group B will receive Active Isolated Stretching + Conventional Therapy Both groups will undergo interventions simultaneously over a 2-week period (6 sessions total, 3 sessions/week). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, and post-intervention, with results compared between the two groups.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A - Post Isometric Relaxation | Active comparator | Procedure: Post Isometric RelaxationParticipants 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 |
| Group B - Active Isolated Stretch | Experimental | Procedure: Active Isolated StretchingParticipants 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 |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Malignancies
- History of steroid therapy over 3 months
- Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- Osteoporosis
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Post Isometric RelaxationParticipants 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 | Procedure or surgery | Group A - Post Isometric Relaxation |
| Active Isolated StretchingParticipants 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. | Procedure or surgery | Group B - Active Isolated Stretch |
Primary outcome
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".
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.
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.
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 20 May 2026.
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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.
Parsa Saghir, DPT principal investigator
Foundation University Islamabad
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Post Isometric Relaxation and Active Isolated Stretching in people with Piriformis Syndrome and Low Back Pain, run by Foundation University Islamabad 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 7 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 20 May 2026. 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 Parsa Saghir, DPT (0315-8962525, parsa.saghir@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Before Treatment and after 2 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 20 May 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.