Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Foam Rolling and Dynamic Stretching in Piriformis Syndrome

Pakistan40 participantsStarted 2025-10-31

Plain-language summary

To compare the combined effects of foam rolling and dynamic stretching in patients with piriformis syndrome. 1. Warm-Up (2-3 minutes) Objective: Increase blood flow and prepare muscles for stretching. * Marching in Place - 30 seconds * Pelvic Tilts - 10 reps * Gentle Hip Circles - 10 reps each direction 2. Intervention Phase (8-10 minutes) Group 1: Foam Rolling Alone (FR) (\~10 minutes) * Piriformis Foam Rolling: 30-60 sec per side (2-3 sets) * Glutes \& Lower Back Foam Rolling: 30 sec each (2-3 sets) * Hamstrings \& IT Band Foam Rolling: 30 sec each (2-3 sets) Focus: Slow, controlled rolling with sustained pressure on tender spots. Group 2: Foam Rolling + Dynamic Stretching (FR+DS) (\~10-12 minutes) Step 1: Foam Rolling (\~5-6 minutes, same as Group 1) Step 2: Dynamic Stretching (\~5-6 minutes) * Dynamic Piriformis Stretch: Standing knee-to-opposite-shoulder pull (10 reps per leg) * Leg Swings: Forward and sideways (10 reps each leg) * Walking Lunges with Rotation: 10 reps per leg * Hip Circles \& Controlled Butt Kicks: 10 reps each 3. Cool-Down (2-3 minutes) Objective: Reduce muscle tension and promote recovery. * Seated Piriformis Stretch: 30 sec hold per side (2 sets) * Hamstring Stretch: 30 sec hold per leg * Lower Back Stretch (Child's Pose): 30 sec Progression \& Adjustments * Gradual increase in duration or intensity as tolerated. * Modify exercises if discomfort or pain occurs. * After week 4, increase dynamic stretch duration if flexibility improves. Outcome Measures The effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed through the following key outcome measures: 1. Pain Level - Evaluating changes in discomfort intensity during daily activities and movement. 2. Range of Motion (ROM) - Measuring improvements in hip flexibility and mobility.

Who can participate

Age range35 Years – 50 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 35-50 years diagnosed with Piriformis Syndrome based on clinical findings. (Chang et al., 2024) * Having positive FAIR test is commonly used to diagnose piriformis syndrome. * Pain intensity of at least 4 on the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) at baseline(A Penichet-Tomas et al., 2021). DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA OF PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME The diagnostic criteria for piriformis syndrome include clinical history, physical examination findings. The symptoms include buttock pain radiating to the posterior thigh or leg, worsened by sitting, climbing stairs, or activities that stretch the piriformis muscle. Physical examination, tenderness over the piriformis muscle or sciatic notch and a positive FAIR test (Flexion, Adduction, and Internal Rotation) are indicative. Additional tests, such as the Pace test and Straight Leg Raise with external rotation. Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of medications such as strong analgesics or muscle relaxants. (e.g., injections, surgery) within the last three months. * Uncontrolled medical conditions, such as active infections, cancer, or cardiovascular issues that may interfere with the study or the participant's ability to complete the protocol safely(Alfonso Penichet-Tomas et al., 2021). * History of lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or other serious lumbar spine pathologies that may cause similar symptoms. * Prior surgeries in the lumbar spine, hip, or pelvis that may interfere with the study's outcomes(Pişirici e…

What they're measuring

Goniometer

Timeframe: At baseline, 4th week and 8th week

NPRS (Numeric pain rating scale)

Timeframe: Each outcome variable will be measured at baseline, mid-intervention and post-intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07278193

SponsorUniversity of Lahore

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-25