Deep Gluteal SyndromeNCT07063017
Comparative Effects of Post-isometric Relaxation and Active Release Technique Patients With Deep Gluteal Syndrome
A study testing Post- Isometric Relaxation and Active Release Technique in people with Deep Gluteal Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Deep gluteal syndrome included piriformis syndrome. Tight piriformis muscle gives symptoms of Sciatica in patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome. Two different techniques which will be used to improve deep gluteal syndrome are Active release technique and Post-isometric relaxation. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 35 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Deep Gluteal Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Post- Isometric Relaxation and Active Release Technique
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 46 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- Jul 2025to Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 35 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- •Age group between 35 and 55 years
- Both gender male and female
- Having pain and tenderness in gluteal space
- Gluteal pain radiating through the posterior of thigh and lower limb
Who cannot join
- • Pregnancy
- Malignancies
- Degenerative spine disorders like lumber spondylosis, canal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, neural compressions due to intervertebral disc lesions
- Any vertebral or hip fracture.
- History of spinal surgery, TB spine, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid disease
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Post-isometric Relaxation and Active Release Technique in Pain, Range of Motion and Disability in Patients With Deep Gluteal Syndrome
Deep gluteal syndrome included piriformis syndrome. Tight piriformis muscle gives symptoms of Sciatica in patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome. Two different techniques which will be used to improve deep gluteal syndrome are Active release technique and Post-isometric relaxation. Active release therapy is a set of techniques for treating musculoskeletal problems. After feeling for the precise location of musculoskeletal dysfunction, practitioners aim to release affected tissues. The post-isometric relaxation technique begins by placing the muscle in a stretched position. Then an isometric contraction is exerted against minimal resistance. Relaxation and then gentle stretch follow as the muscle releases.
Read the detailed description
This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic Lahore. Non-probability consecutive sampling will be used to collect the data. Sample size of 46 subjects with age group between 35-55 years of both male and female will be taken. Data will be collected from the patients having present complaint of pain in buttock, low back and radiating to leg. Outcome measures will be taken using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, Low Extremity Functional Scale for disability and Universal Goniometer (GU) for Range of Motion. An informed consent will be taken. Subjects will be selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and will be equally divided into two groups by random number generator table. Both the Groups will receive hot pack, TENS and ultrasound as well as stretching exercises of piriformis while Group A will receive Post-isometric relaxation and Group B will receive Active release technique. Outcome measures will be measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Data analysis will be done by SPSS version 21.
- Conditions
- Deep Gluteal Syndrome
- Being tested
- Post- Isometric Relaxation, Active Release Technique
- Keywords
- Pain, Disability, Range of motion
- Medical subject headings
- Hip socket neuropathy, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Post- Isometric RelaxationOther
Post Isometric Relaxation Technique to Piriformis; Lay the patient in the supine position and have the practitioner stand on the same side as the affected piriformis muscle. Bend the knee of the affected side and place the foot of that side on the lateral aspect of the opposite knee. Have the practitioner push knee medially until meeting the restrictive barrier. Have the patient push against the practitioner's resistance for 3 to 5 seconds, allow for a period of isometric relaxation, then engage a new barrier; repeat three times. Return the patient to a neutral position and reassess using supine or prone piriformis testing.
Active Release TechniqueOther
Patient position is side lying on the sound side. Therapist stands behind the patient. The upper leg must be in flexion on knee and slight extension Now apply pressure with both thumbs on piriformis and ask patient to flex and extend his hip and also external and internal rotation on hip in flexion. The gluteal muscle is taken from a shortened position to a fully lengthened position while the physiotherapist's contact hand holds tension longitudinally along the soft tissue fibers.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Post- Isometric Relaxation | Experimental | Post Isometric Relaxation Technique to Piriformis; Lay the patient in the supine position and have the practitioner stand on the same side as the affected piriformis muscle. Bend the knee of the affected side and place the foot of that side on the lateral aspect of the opposite knee. Have the practitioner push knee medially until meeting the restrictive barrier. Have the patient push against the practitioner's resistance for 3 to 5 seconds, allow for a period of isometric relaxation, then engage a new barrier; repeat three times. Return the patient to a neutral position and reassess using supine or prone piriformis testing. Receives: Other: Post- Isometric Relaxation |
| Active Release Technique | Experimental | Active Release Technique:
Patient position is side lying on the sound side. Therapist stands behind the patient. The upper leg must be in flexion on knee and slight extension Now apply pressure with both thumbs on piriformis and ask patient to flex and extend his hip and also external and internal rotation on hip in flexion. The gluteal muscle is taken from a shortened position to a fully lengthened position while the physiotherapist's contact hand holds tension longitudinally along the soft tissue fibers. Receives: Other: Active Release Technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Patient level of pain will be assessed using this scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 10. 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicated "worst pain".
Measured: upto 4 weeks
Universal Goniometer (UG)
The range of motion will be measured using universal goniometer. A universal goniometer has 3 parts, which include the following: A body is designed like a protractor and may form a full or half-circle. It has a scale for the measurement of the angle. The scale can extend from 0 to 180 degrees for half-circle models or 0 to 360 degrees for full-circle models.
Measured: upto 4 weeks
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) 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.
Measured: upto 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Jul 2025
- Study startJul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completionSep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completionOct 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (8)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Deep Gluteal SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Samrood Akram, PhD*, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07063017
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR &AHS/24/0161 Ujala
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 3 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Kizaki K, Uchida S, Shanmugaraj A, Aquino CC, Duong A, Simunovic N, Martin HD, Ayeni OR. Deep gluteal syndrome is defined as a non-discogenic sciatic nerve disorder with entrapment in the deep gluteal space: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2020 Oct;28(10):3354-3364. doi: 10.1007/s00167-020-05966-x. Epub 2020 Apr 3.
PubMed 32246173Hernando MF, Cerezal L, Perez-Carro L, Abascal F, Canga A. Deep gluteal syndrome: anatomy, imaging, and management of sciatic nerve entrapments in the subgluteal space. Skeletal Radiol. 2015 Jul;44(7):919-34. doi: 10.1007/s00256-015-2124-6. Epub 2015 Mar 5.
PubMed 25739706Naz S, Sheikh SA, Sulaman M, Abid S, Saeed E, Faraz K. EFFECTS OF ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE VERSUS MULLIGAN TECHNIQUE ON PAIN AND FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY IN PATIENT WITH DEEP GLUTEAL SYNDROME.
Park JW, Lee YK, Lee YJ, Shin S, Kang Y, Koo KH. Deep gluteal syndrome as a cause of posterior hip pain and sciatica-like pain. Bone Joint J. 2020 May;102-B(5):556-567. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.102B5.BJJ-2019-1212.R1.
PubMed 32349600Boyajian-O'Neill LA, McClain RL, Coleman MK, Thomas PP. Diagnosis and management of piriformis syndrome: an osteopathic approach. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2008 Nov;108(11):657-64. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2008.108.11.657.
PubMed 19011229Kage V, Ratnam R. Immediate effect of active release technique versus mulligan bent leg raise in subjects with hamstring tightness: a randomized clinical trial. Int J Physiother Res. 2014;2(1):301-4.
Michel F, Decavel P, Toussirot E, Tatu L, Aleton E, Monnier G, Garbuio P, Parratte B. The piriformis muscle syndrome: an exploration of anatomical context, pathophysiological hypotheses and diagnostic criteria. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2013 May;56(4):300-11. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2013.03.006. Epub 2013 Apr 30.
PubMed 23684469Dworkin RH, O'Connor AB, Backonja M, Farrar JT, Finnerup NB, Jensen TS, Kalso EA, Loeser JD, Miaskowski C, Nurmikko TJ, Portenoy RK, Rice ASC, Stacey BR, Treede RD, Turk DC, Wallace MS. Pharmacologic management of neuropathic pain: evidence-based recommendations. Pain. 2007 Dec 5;132(3):237-251. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2007.08.033. Epub 2007 Oct 24.
PubMed 17920770
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Post-isometric Relaxation and Active Release Technique in Pain, Range of Motion and Disability in Patients With Deep Gluteal Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07063017
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR &AHS/24/0161 Ujala
- Conditions
- Deep Gluteal Syndrome
- Keywords
- Pain, Disability, Range of motion
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Oct 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 14 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Deep gluteal syndrome included piriformis syndrome. Tight piriformis muscle gives symptoms of Sciatica in patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome. Two different techniques which will be used to improve deep gluteal syndrome are Active release technique and Post-isometric relaxation. Active release therapy is a set of techniques for treating musculoskeletal problems. After feeling for the precise location of musculoskeletal dysfunction, practitioners aim to release affected tissues. The post-isometric relaxation technique begins by placing the muscle in a stretched position. Then an isometric contraction is exerted against minimal resistance. Relaxation and then gentle stretch follow as the muscle releases.
Detailed description
This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic Lahore. Non-probability consecutive sampling will be used to collect the data. Sample size of 46 subjects with age group between 35-55 years of both male and female will be taken. Data will be collected from the patients having present complaint of pain in buttock, low back and radiating to leg. Outcome measures will be taken using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, Low Extremity Functional Scale for disability and Universal Goniometer (GU) for Range of Motion. An informed consent will be taken. Subjects will be selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and will be equally divided into two groups by random number generator table. Both the Groups will receive hot pack, TENS and ultrasound as well as stretching exercises of piriformis while Group A will receive Post-isometric relaxation and Group B will receive Active release technique. Outcome measures will be measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Data analysis will be done by SPSS version 21.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Post- Isometric Relaxation | Experimental | Other: Post- Isometric RelaxationPost Isometric Relaxation Technique to Piriformis; Lay the patient in the supine position and have the practitioner stand on the same side as the affected piriformis muscle. Bend the knee of the affected side and place the foot of that side on the lateral aspect of the opposite knee. Have the practitioner push knee medially until meeting the restrictive barrier. Have the patient push against the practitioner's resistance for 3 to 5 seconds, allow for a period of isometric relaxation, then engage a new barrier; repeat three times. Return the patient to a neutral position and reassess using supine or prone piriformis testing. |
| Active Release Technique | Experimental | Other: Active Release TechniqueActive Release Technique: Patient position is side lying on the sound side. Therapist stands behind the patient. The upper leg must be in flexion on knee and slight extension Now apply pressure with both thumbs on piriformis and ask patient to flex and extend his hip and also external and internal rotation on hip in flexion. The gluteal muscle is taken from a shortened position to a fully lengthened position while the physiotherapist's contact hand holds tension longitudinally along the soft tissue fibers. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 35 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- •Age group between 35 and 55 years
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Pregnancy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Post- Isometric RelaxationPost Isometric Relaxation Technique to Piriformis; Lay the patient in the supine position and have the practitioner stand on the same side as the affected piriformis muscle. Bend the knee of the affected side and place the foot of that side on the lateral aspect of the opposite knee. Have the practitioner push knee medially until meeting the restrictive barrier. Have the patient push against the practitioner's resistance for 3 to 5 seconds, allow for a period of isometric relaxation, then engage a new barrier; repeat three times. Return the patient to a neutral position and reassess using supine or prone piriformis testing. | Other | Post- Isometric Relaxation |
| Active Release TechniquePatient position is side lying on the sound side. Therapist stands behind the patient. The upper leg must be in flexion on knee and slight extension Now apply pressure with both thumbs on piriformis and ask patient to flex and extend his hip and also external and internal rotation on hip in flexion. The gluteal muscle is taken from a shortened position to a fully lengthened position while the physiotherapist's contact hand holds tension longitudinally along the soft tissue fibers. | Other | Active Release Technique |
Primary outcome
Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: upto 4 weeks
Patient level of pain will be assessed using this scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 10. 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicated "worst pain".
Universal Goniometer (UG)
Time frame: upto 4 weeks
The range of motion will be measured using universal goniometer. A universal goniometer has 3 parts, which include the following: A body is designed like a protractor and may form a full or half-circle. It has a scale for the measurement of the angle. The scale can extend from 0 to 180 degrees for half-circle models or 0 to 360 degrees for full-circle models.
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
Time frame: upto 4 weeks
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) 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.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jul 2025.
- Background: PubMed 32246173Kizaki K, Uchida S, Shanmugaraj A, Aquino CC, Duong A, Simunovic N, Martin HD, Ayeni OR. Deep gluteal syndrome is defined as a non-discogenic sciatic nerve disorder with entrapment in the deep gluteal space: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2020 Oct;28(10):3354-3364. doi: 10.1007/s00167-020-05966-x. Epub 2020 Apr 3.
- Background: PubMed 25739706Hernando MF, Cerezal L, Perez-Carro L, Abascal F, Canga A. Deep gluteal syndrome: anatomy, imaging, and management of sciatic nerve entrapments in the subgluteal space. Skeletal Radiol. 2015 Jul;44(7):919-34. doi: 10.1007/s00256-015-2124-6. Epub 2015 Mar 5.
- BackgroundNaz S, Sheikh SA, Sulaman M, Abid S, Saeed E, Faraz K. EFFECTS OF ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE VERSUS MULLIGAN TECHNIQUE ON PAIN AND FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY IN PATIENT WITH DEEP GLUTEAL SYNDROME.
- Background: PubMed 32349600Park JW, Lee YK, Lee YJ, Shin S, Kang Y, Koo KH. Deep gluteal syndrome as a cause of posterior hip pain and sciatica-like pain. Bone Joint J. 2020 May;102-B(5):556-567. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.102B5.BJJ-2019-1212.R1.
- Background: PubMed 19011229Boyajian-O'Neill LA, McClain RL, Coleman MK, Thomas PP. Diagnosis and management of piriformis syndrome: an osteopathic approach. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2008 Nov;108(11):657-64. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2008.108.11.657.
- BackgroundKage V, Ratnam R. Immediate effect of active release technique versus mulligan bent leg raise in subjects with hamstring tightness: a randomized clinical trial. Int J Physiother Res. 2014;2(1):301-4.
- Background: PubMed 23684469Michel F, Decavel P, Toussirot E, Tatu L, Aleton E, Monnier G, Garbuio P, Parratte B. The piriformis muscle syndrome: an exploration of anatomical context, pathophysiological hypotheses and diagnostic criteria. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2013 May;56(4):300-11. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2013.03.006. Epub 2013 Apr 30.
- Background: PubMed 17920770Dworkin RH, O'Connor AB, Backonja M, Farrar JT, Finnerup NB, Jensen TS, Kalso EA, Loeser JD, Miaskowski C, Nurmikko TJ, Portenoy RK, Rice ASC, Stacey BR, Treede RD, Turk DC, Wallace MS. Pharmacologic management of neuropathic pain: evidence-based recommendations. Pain. 2007 Dec 5;132(3):237-251. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2007.08.033. Epub 2007 Oct 24.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Samrood Akram, PhD* principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Post- Isometric Relaxation and Active Release Technique in people with Deep Gluteal Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Samrood Akram, PhD Scholar (03324806143, samrood.akram@riphah.edu.pk.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: upto 4 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07063017, which also lists 8 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Jul 2025.