Piriformis SyndromeMPR-PIRNCT07661485
Comparing Two Soft Tissues Technique on Piriformis Syndrome Patients
A study testing Myofascial Release and Post Isometric Relaxation in people with Piriformis Syndrome and Musculoskeletal Abnormalities, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Piriformis Syndrome is a neuromuscular condition with symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling tracing the route of the sciatic nerve, due to the nerve impingement by the piriformis muscle. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Piriformis Syndrome, Musculoskeletal Abnormalities, Sciatica
- What is being tested?
- Myofascial Release and Post Isometric Relaxation
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 26 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 30 Jun 2026to 30 Sep 2026
- 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 20 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Positive Lasegue sign
- Positive FAIR test
- Grade 1-3 tenderness on palpation of piriformis between sacrum and greater trochanter of femur
- 4 or more pain intensity on the VAS scale
Who cannot join
- Lower extremity injuries including ligament, tendon injuries, muscle strains as well as nerve injuries
- Systemic diseases including tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease as well as chronic inflammatory conditions
- Congenital deformities including hip dysplasia, limb length discrepancy, scoliosis and congenital pelvic asymmetry
- Cognitive issues including dementia, severe depression and severe psychotic disorders
- Lumbar Radiculopathy
- SIJ Dysfunction
Show all 9Show fewer
- Lower Extremity Fractures
- Pregnancy
- Malignancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Dr. Muhammad Ateeb, PhD Public Health contact
Pakistan1 site
The University of Faisalabad
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 38000
About this study
Official title: Effect of Myofascial Release as Compared to Post Isometric Relaxation in Improving Pain and Lower Extremity Function in Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Syndrome is a neuromuscular condition with symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling tracing the route of the sciatic nerve, due to the nerve impingement by the piriformis muscle. Two common manual therapy techniques used to treat musculoskeletal conditions are myofascial release and post-isometric relaxation. The intent of the research is to evaluate the effects of myofascial release (MFR) as compared to post-isometric relaxation (PIR) in improving pain and lower extremity function in piriformis syndrome (LEFS). The study population involved 32 individuals aged between 20 to 50 years who will be randomly assigned to two groups; a group that received MFR and a group that received PIR. Both groups received the baseline treatment for four weeks. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be employed to gauge the amount of pain, while the LEFS was used to measure functional mobility
Read the detailed description
This is Multiple-center, randomized controlled trail. Participants age 20-50 years with diagnosed piriformis syndrome will be referred from neuro physician and orthopedic department of Madina Teaching hospital (MTH) to Physiotherapy ward, Jafar Physiotherapy Clinic and Madina Specilaists Clinic. After informed consent Participants will be randomly assign to one of two parallel groups using a random number generator. Group A (Experimental): Receive MFR 3 sessions per week for total duration 4 weeks. Group B (Active Comparator) receive the PIR 3 sessions per week for total duration 4 weeks. Outcome measures (pain via VAS, functional status via LEFS) are taken at baseline and end of treatment. Data will be analyzed using Spss version 20.
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome, Musculoskeletal Abnormalities, Sciatica
- Being tested
- Myofascial Release, Post Isometric Relaxation
- Keywords
- myofasical release, Post isometric relaxation, physiotherapy, Radiculopathy, Piriformis syndrome
- Medical subject headings
- Piriformis Muscle Syndrome, Musculoskeletal Abnormalities, Sciatica, Radiculopathy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Myofascial ReleaseOther
Myofascial release is performed with the patient positioned in prone lying. The piriformis muscle was identified. Sustained pressure was applied directly to the trigger point/piriformis muscle for 10-100 seconds while the patient actively moved the affected limb repeatedly from internal to external rotation. Kneading strokes parallel to the muscle fibers were then performed for 5 minutes to promote elongation. This sequence was repeated three times.
Post Isometric RelaxationOther
Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) is performed with the patient in supine and the hip in neutral rotation. The affected hip was passively moved into horizontal adduction until a mild stretch was felt, while the lumbar spine was stabilized. The patient performed a gentle isometric contraction into hip abduction for 7-10 seconds, followed by 2-3 seconds of relaxation. The leg was then moved into further adduction to a new barrier.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial release | Experimental | Myofascial release was then performed with the patient positioned in prone lying. The piriformis muscle was identified. Sustained pressure was applied directly to the trigger point/piriformis muscle for 10-100 seconds while the patient actively moved the affected limb repeatedly from internal to external rotation. Kneading strokes parallel to the muscle fibers were then performed for 5 minutes to promote elongation. This sequence was repeated three times. Receives: Other: Myofascial Release |
| Post Isometric Relaxation | Experimental | The patient is in supine and the hip in neutral rotation. The affected hip was passively moved into horizontal adduction until a mild stretch was felt, while the lumbar spine was stabilized. The patient performed a gentle isometric contraction into hip abduction for 7-10 seconds, followed by 2-3 seconds of relaxation. The leg was then moved into further adduction to a new barrier.
This contraction-relaxation-stretch cycle was performed for 3 sets of 5 repetitions. Receives: Other: Post Isometric Relaxation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual analogue scale
Comparison on effect of pain. The Visual Analog Scale is a self-reported measure of pain intensity. Participants rate their pain on a 10-cm scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain."
Measured: Baseline and 4 week post intervention
Secondary outcomes (1)
Lower Extremity Functional Scale
Comparison on effect of functional outcomes. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess functional status and difficulty performing everyday activities in individuals with lower extremity musculoskeletal conditions. The scale consists of 20 items, each scored from 0 to 4, yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 80.
Measured: Baseline and 4 week of post intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Jun 2026
- Study start30 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Piriformis SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muhammad Muneeb Jafar, University of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07661485
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TUF/EIRB/148/2025
- Acronym
- MPR-PIR
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
This citation will not be hyperlinked on ClinicalTrials.gov. Aleem A, Arfan MT, Razzaq et al. (2022) Effectiveness of post isometric relaxation versus reciprocal inhibition technique on hamstring muscle flexibility. Annals of King Edward Medical University 28(2): 205-209.
Ajimsha MS, Al-Mudahka NR, Al-Madzhar JA. Effectiveness of myofascial release: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015 Jan;19(1):102-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.06.001. Epub 2014 Jun 13.
PubMed 25603749
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Myofascial Release as Compared to Post Isometric Relaxation in Improving Pain and Lower Extremity Function in Piriformis Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07661485
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MPR-PIR / TUF/EIRB/148/2025
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome, Musculoskeletal Abnormalities, Sciatica
- Keywords
- myofasical release, Post isometric relaxation, physiotherapy, Radiculopathy, Piriformis syndrome
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 22 Jun 2026 (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.
Piriformis Syndrome is a neuromuscular condition with symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling tracing the route of the sciatic nerve, due to the nerve impingement by the piriformis muscle. Two common manual therapy techniques used to treat musculoskeletal conditions are myofascial release and post-isometric relaxation. The intent of the research is to evaluate the effects of myofascial release (MFR) as compared to post-isometric relaxation (PIR) in improving pain and lower extremity function in piriformis syndrome (LEFS). The study population involved 32 individuals aged between 20 to 50 years who will be randomly assigned to two groups; a group that received MFR and a group that received PIR. Both groups received the baseline treatment for four weeks. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be employed to gauge the amount of pain, while the LEFS was used to measure functional mobility
Detailed description
This is Multiple-center, randomized controlled trail. Participants age 20-50 years with diagnosed piriformis syndrome will be referred from neuro physician and orthopedic department of Madina Teaching hospital (MTH) to Physiotherapy ward, Jafar Physiotherapy Clinic and Madina Specilaists Clinic. After informed consent Participants will be randomly assign to one of two parallel groups using a random number generator. Group A (Experimental): Receive MFR 3 sessions per week for total duration 4 weeks. Group B (Active Comparator) receive the PIR 3 sessions per week for total duration 4 weeks. Outcome measures (pain via VAS, functional status via LEFS) are taken at baseline and end of treatment. Data will be analyzed using Spss version 20.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial release | Experimental | Other: Myofascial ReleaseMyofascial release was then performed with the patient positioned in prone lying. The piriformis muscle was identified. Sustained pressure was applied directly to the trigger point/piriformis muscle for 10-100 seconds while the patient actively moved the affected limb repeatedly from internal to external rotation. Kneading strokes parallel to the muscle fibers were then performed for 5 minutes to promote elongation. This sequence was repeated three times. |
| Post Isometric Relaxation | Experimental | Other: Post Isometric RelaxationThe patient is in supine and the hip in neutral rotation. The affected hip was passively moved into horizontal adduction until a mild stretch was felt, while the lumbar spine was stabilized. The patient performed a gentle isometric contraction into hip abduction for 7-10 seconds, followed by 2-3 seconds of relaxation. The leg was then moved into further adduction to a new barrier. This contraction-relaxation-stretch cycle was performed for 3 sets of 5 repetitions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Positive Lasegue sign
- Positive FAIR test
- Grade 1-3 tenderness on palpation of piriformis between sacrum and greater trochanter of femur
- 4 or more pain intensity on the VAS scale
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Lower extremity injuries including ligament, tendon injuries, muscle strains as well as nerve injuries
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial ReleaseMyofascial release is performed with the patient positioned in prone lying. The piriformis muscle was identified. Sustained pressure was applied directly to the trigger point/piriformis muscle for 10-100 seconds while the patient actively moved the affected limb repeatedly from internal to external rotation. Kneading strokes parallel to the muscle fibers were then performed for 5 minutes to promote elongation. This sequence was repeated three times. | Other | Myofascial release |
| Post Isometric RelaxationPost-isometric relaxation (PIR) is performed with the patient in supine and the hip in neutral rotation. The affected hip was passively moved into horizontal adduction until a mild stretch was felt, while the lumbar spine was stabilized. The patient performed a gentle isometric contraction into hip abduction for 7-10 seconds, followed by 2-3 seconds of relaxation. The leg was then moved into further adduction to a new barrier. | Other | Post Isometric Relaxation |
Primary outcome
Visual analogue scale
Time frame: Baseline and 4 week post intervention
Comparison on effect of pain. The Visual Analog Scale is a self-reported measure of pain intensity. Participants rate their pain on a 10-cm scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain."
1 secondary outcome
Lower Extremity Functional Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 4 week of post intervention
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 30 Jun 2026.
- Results publicationThis citation will not be hyperlinked on ClinicalTrials.gov. Aleem A, Arfan MT, Razzaq et al. (2022) Effectiveness of post isometric relaxation versus reciprocal inhibition technique on hamstring muscle flexibility. Annals of King Edward Medical University 28(2): 205-209.
- Results publication: PubMed 25603749Ajimsha MS, Al-Mudahka NR, Al-Madzhar JA. Effectiveness of myofascial release: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015 Jan;19(1):102-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.06.001. Epub 2014 Jun 13.
- 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.
Dr. Muhammad Ateeb, PhD Public Health contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Myofascial Release and Post Isometric Relaxation in people with Piriformis Syndrome and Musculoskeletal Abnormalities, run by University of Faisalabad 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 9 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 30 Jun 2026. 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 Dr. Muhammad Muneeb Jafar, PhD Physiotherapy (+923127000616, Muneebjafar.DPT@tuf.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Visual analogue scale (time frame: Baseline and 4 week post intervention). 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 NCT07661485, which also lists 2 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 30 Jun 2026.