Effects of MET and MFR on Piriformis Syndrome

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07769203

Igdir University72 enrolled

Overview

The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate the effects of two different manual therapy approaches, Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Myofascial Release Technique (MFR), on pain threshold, muscle activation patterns, and muscle strength in individuals diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. In this study, the physiological effects of both interventions on the musculoskeletal system will be assessed using objective measurement tools such as an algometer, digital dynamometer, and electromyography (EMG). The study aims to provide evidence-based data regarding the most effective and preferable manual therapy approach in the conservative treatment of piriformis syndrome.

Participants included in the study will complete the Sociodemographic Information Form, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Additionally, participants will undergo the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Lower extremity muscle strength will be evaluated using a digital dynamometer, pain threshold will be assessed with an algometer, and muscle activation patterns will be evaluated using surface electromyography (sEMG) in the FAIR position. The entire assessment procedure will take approximately 30-40 minutes, and all measurements will be performed under standardized conditions by the same researcher. This study is a randomized controlled experimental trial aiming to compare the effects of two different manual therapy approaches, Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Myofascial Release Technique (MFR), on pain threshold, muscle activation patterns, and muscle strength in individuals diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. The study is designed as a pretest-posttest trial. Participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: the MET group, the MFR group, and the control group. All groups will receive treatment for 8 weeks, with 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 treatment sessions.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

Interventions

Muscle Energy TechniquePROCEDURE

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) will be applied to participants by a trained physiotherapist in addition to conventional physical therapy. The intervention will be performed for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. The technique will include voluntary muscle contractions followed by relaxation and stretching procedures targeting the piriformis muscle.

Myofascial Release TechniquePROCEDURE

Myofascial Release Technique (MFR) will be applied to participants by a trained physiotherapist in addition to conventional physical therapy. The intervention will be performed for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. The technique will involve sustained manual pressure and soft tissue release techniques targeting the piriformis muscle and surrounding fascia.

Conventional Physical TherapyPROCEDURE

Participants in the control group will receive conventional physical therapy for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals diagnosed with piriformis syndrome * Presence of piriformis tenderness and sciatic symptoms * Aged between 18 and 65 years * Voluntary agreement to participate in the study * No history of lumbar, hip, knee, or ankle surgery within the last year * Ability to cooperate with the assessment and treatment procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals younger than 18 years or older than 65 years * Presence of any musculoskeletal disorder affecting the lower extremity * Presence of neurological, cardiac, pulmonary, or orthopedic disorders preventing participation in exercise * Presence of neurological deficits (muscle strength loss) * History of radiotherapy to the lumbar or hip region * Absence from more than 20% of treatment sessions * Inability to comply with the study procedures (e.g., cognitive impairment, communication problems, severe psychiatric disorders) * Corticosteroid or PRP injection within the last 3 months * Participation in another physical therapy program within the last 3 months * Use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant medications within the last 48-72 hours * Use of psychotropic medications that may affect muscle activation or nervous system responses (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives)