Comparison of Laser and Shockwave Therapy for Piriformis Syndrome With Adjunctive Exercise (NCT07567703) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Comparison of Laser and Shockwave Therapy for Piriformis Syndrome With Adjunctive Exercise
Egypt70 participantsStarted 2025-10-04
Plain-language summary
This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy combined with exercise versus radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy combined with exercise in patients with piriformis syndrome. The interventions were applied over four weeks, and outcomes included pain intensity, functional disability, range of motion, and quality of life.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18 to 65 years who had a confirmed diagnosis of piriformis syndrome. piriformis syndrome required a positive FAIR test and EMG evidence of sciatic nerve involvement. Eligible participants had chronic symptoms lasting at least three months and a baseline Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of ≥4.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Participants were excluded if they had a history of surgical interventions involving the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint, or hip; systemic inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis; neurological disorders impairing lower limb function; or were pregnant or lactating. Individuals with malignancy, bleeding disorders, or pacemaker implantation
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
1. Pain Intensity
Timeframe: 1. Baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
2
2. Hip Range of Motion
Timeframe: Baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
3
3. Quality of Life
Timeframe: Baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
4
Functional Disability
Timeframe: Baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and 3-month follow-up