The study was conducted to determine the effects of hip abductor strengthening exercises on pain, range of motion, and lower extremity function in patients with piriformis syndrome.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
48
Experimental Group (Hip Abductor Strengthening + Baseline Physiotherapy) A structured hip abductor strengthening program divided into three progressive phases over four weeks, along with baseline physiotherapy treatment. Phase I (Week 1 - Non-weight bearing / Isolated activation) Exercises: Bridging, Side-lying clam exercises, Side-lying hip abduction, Towel squeeze Dosage: 3 × 15 repetitions Phase II (Week 2 - Weight-bearing strengthening) Exercises: Squats, Side-stepping, Single-limb sit-to-stand, Step-up/Step-down, Leg press Dosage: 3 × 15 repetitions Phase III (Weeks 3-4 - Dynamic/Functional training) Exercises: Forward lunges, Double-limb jump Dosage: Week 3 → 3 × 15 repetitions Week 4 → 5 × 20 repetitions
conventional Physiotherapy treatment * Hydro-collateral pack for 10 minutes over piriformis muscle (40°C) * Pulsed ultrasound for 10 minutes at 2.25 W/cm² * Piriformis stretching maneuver (20-second hold × 10 repetitions)
Hashir Ali clinic
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess lower extremity functional status in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. It consists of 20 items related to daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, squatting, and running. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = extreme difficulty/unable to perform, 4 = no difficulty), with a maximum total score of 80. Higher scores indicate better functional ability. The LEFS is widely used due to its high reliability, validity, and responsiveness in evaluating functional improvement over time.
Time frame: From enrolment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure used to assess pain intensity. Patients are asked to rate their current pain level on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "worst imaginable pain." It is simple, quick to administer, and clinically reliable for monitoring changes in pain over time. A reduction of 2 points or more is generally considered clinically meaningful improvement
Time frame: from enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Hip Abduction range of motion
Changes in hip abduction range of motion at baseline and 4 weeks of intervention were measured using a universal goniometer.
Time frame: from enrollment to the end of treatment.
Hip external roration ROM
Changes in hip external rotation range of motion at baseline and 4 weeks of intervention were measured using a universal goniomete
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks.
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