This study aims to assess the effectiveness of IASTM on pain, ROM, Disability and Quality of life among Piriformis Syndrome patients. This study will add to the growing body of knowledge as there are very limited researches done in Pakistan using IASTM in patients with Piriformis Syndrome.
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a skilled intervention that includes the use of specialized tools to manipulate the skin, myofascia, muscles, and tendons by various direct compressive stroke techniques. It has neurophysiological effect as it stimulates mechanosensitive neurons through skin deformation by using instrument. IASTM affects the vascular response to the injured soft tissue, through increasing the blood flow, reduce the stress and strain to the injured areas, decrease inflammation, increase muscle flexibility and strength, increase blood flow, break up scar tissue, promote proper tissue repair, enhance functional movements, accelerates fibroblast activity. In 2022 there is a study that stated the overall Prevalence of piriformis muscle syndrome which is 18.3%. The Mean±SD of exact BMI were 27.43±6.859. Male and female Pace sign were 14.2% and 18.3% positive respectively. Positive Prevalence of piriformis muscle syndrome in the general population in Age groups chi-square value is (47.753b) and P- Value (\<0.001). A 2018 study determined that Hip abductor and extensor strengthening along with neural mobilization and piriformis stretching have significant effect on improving hip abductor strength and lower extremity function when compared with neural mobilization and piriformis stretching alone in patients with Piriformis syndrome. Another study conducted in 2022, showed the effects of IASTM in discogenic Sciatica along with neural mobilization and lumbar traction and concluded that IASTM alleviated pain and impairments in patients with sciatic nerve entrapment. Whereas, this study will assess the effectiveness of IASTM in non discogenic causes of piriformis syndrome. A 2016 study showed the efficacy of manual therapy interventions for improving the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by comparing 2 manual therapy techniques: Graston Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (GISTM) and soft tissue mobilization for mild to moderate cases of CTS. Results shows improvements in both groups with pain, nerve conduction latencies, wrist strength and ROM. This study will only assess the effectiveness of IASTM on pain, ROM, disability and quality of life among patients with piriformis syndrome. Reference article showed efficacy by comparing 2 manual therapy techniques, GISTM and STM in management of carpal tunnel syndrome. There is significant improvement in wrist strength and ROM with IASTM application as it increases muscle flexibility and strength, improves blood flow, breaks up adhesions, reduce stress to injured area, enhance functional movements, increase fibroblastic activity and decreases inflammation. Current study will only assess effectiveness of IASTM on pain, ROM, functional disability and QOL among patients with piriformis syndrome. No evidence in previous studies shows efficacy of IASTM with Graston tool in management of piriformis syndrome. Hence, this study will show effectiveness of IASTM on pain, ROM, disability and quality of life in patients with piriformis syndrome.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
38
Hot pack will be applied for 10 minutes. AROM's of Hip (5 reps x 2 sets each). Piriformis stretch 3 reps x 20 sec hold x 2 sets. SLR (5reps x 10 sec hold x 2 sets). Sciatic nerve stretch (5 reps x 10 sec hold x 2 sets) for 3 days/ week for 2 weeks. Strengthening exercises will be performed after 2 weeks of previous intervention of Hip abductors (Hip abduction with band in sitting, standing, side-lying hip raise), and hip extensors (Gluteal bridges, Prone hip extension, Prone hams curl). (5 reps x 2 sets each). SLR (5 reps x 10 sec hold x 2 sets) each exercise will be performed 3 days/ week for 2 weeks. Total treatment protocol will be followed for 4 weeks. Each session will be of 30 minutes.
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization IASTM with Graston tool along with conventional treatment in first 6 sessions. Apply hot pack for 10 mins on low back as passive warm up then AROM's of Hip (5 reps x 2 sets each) will be performed. Apply Graston tool at 30-60 degrees angle along the length of following muscles Piriformis, Gluteus medius and Hamstrings after applying emollient for 40-120 seconds.
Railway General Hospital
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan
RECRUITINGLower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
It is a questionnaire containing 20 questions about a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. The LEFS can be used by clinicians as a measure of patients' initial function, ongoing progress and outcome, as well as to set functional goals. The LEFS can be used to evaluate the functional impairment of a patient with a disorder of one or both lower extremities or to monitor the patient over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention. This scale scores ranges from 0-80 on a 5 point Likert scale. Changes from baseline, 2nd and 4th week LEFS will be taken.
Time frame: 4th week
12 item Short Form Survey (SF-12)
It is a self-reported outcome measure assessing the impact of health on an individual's everyday life. It is often used as a quality of life measure. The SF-12 is a shortened version of its predecessor, the SF-36. It consists of 12 item questions measuring quality of life. Changes from baseline, 2nd and 4th week SF-12 will be taken.
Time frame: 4th week
Sciatica Bothersomeness Index (SBI)
It is used to measure the participants' level of sciatica. The scale's ratings range from 0 to 6, with higher levels indicating severe sciatica discomfort. Changes from baseline, 2nd and 4th week SBI will be taken.
Time frame: 4th week
NPRS
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure in which individuals rate their pain on an eleven-point numerical scale. The scale is composed of 0 (no pain at all) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). NPRS is the most commonly used version which has good test-retest reliability. Changes from baseline, 2nd week and 4th week NPRS will be taken.
Time frame: 4th week
ROM of Hip Flexion
Changes from baseline, 2nd week and 4th week Hip flexion will be taken with goniometer.
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Time frame: 4th week
ROM of Hip Abduction
Changes from baseline, 2nd week and 4th week Hip abduction will be taken with goniometer.
Time frame: 4th week
ROM of Hip Internal Rotation
Changes from baseline, 2nd week and 4th week Hip internal rotation will be taken with goniometer.
Time frame: 4th week