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Sacroiliac Joint DysfunctionNCT07723014

Effects of Stecco Fascial Manipulation Versus Muscle Energy Technique on Pain Pressure Threshold, Range of Motion and Disability Among Patients With Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

A study testing Stecco fascial manipulation and Muscle energy technique in people with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study holds significant importance as it directly addresses the need for effective physiotherapy interventions in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, a condition that contributes substantially to lower back pain and disability. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 30 to 45 years
Conditions the study is for
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
What is being tested?
Stecco fascial manipulation and Muscle energy technique
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
52 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
1 May 2026to 10 Oct 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 30 to 45 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Both male and female.
  • Participants with a medical diagnosis of SIJD (posterior innominate and anterior innominate), pain and tenderness at PSIS, Sacral Sulcus, Ilia.
  • Pain in the paraspinal muscles, gluteal or groin region, and radiating to either leg.
  • 3 Positive special tests for SIJD (Faber test, Thigh thrust test, Distraction test, compression test, and Gaenslen test).
  • Pain lasting for less than 3 months.

Who cannot join

  • Subjects with leg length discrepancy.
  • Subjects with any pathology observed in the lower extremity.
  • Subjects with pre-diagnosed tumors of the hip and spine.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Subjects with any history of recent trauma involving the lower limb.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Lahore General Hospital

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

    Recruiting

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

This study holds significant importance as it directly addresses the need for effective physiotherapy interventions in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, a condition that contributes substantially to lower back pain and disability. By comparing the effects of Fascial Manipulation and Muscle Energy Technique on pain pressure threshold, disability, and range of motion, the study provides evidence-based guidance for clinicians in selecting the most appropriate treatment. The findings can help physiotherapists develop more targeted rehabilitation plans, improve patient outcomes, and reduce treatment time. Additionally, this research adds to the limited literature available on stecco fascial manipulation and muscle energy technique approaches for SI joint dysfunction and may encourage further studies to refine and expand conservative management strategies. Ultimately, the study benefits both healthcare professionals and patients by promoting more efficient, safe, and effective physiotherapy care.

Read the detailed description

Pain and stiffness experienced from the Sacroiliac joint is referred to as sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction. SIJ dysfunction typically results from abnormal motion and malalignment of the joint .Patients usually complain of deep-seated pain, which extends down the posterior thigh and up to the knee. Pain can frequently mimic and be misdiagnosed as radicular pain. SIJ dysfunction is not only a source of pain but also a significant contributor to functional disability, negatively affecting an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living.SIJD is curable with medical and physical therapy interventions. The standard physical therapy (PT) interventions include manual joint mobilization, manipulation, bracing, massage, patient education, aerobic conditioning, muscle energy technique, and electrotherapeutic modalities such as heat, ultrasound, TENS, and lumbar exercises. Lumbar exercises included knee to the same shoulder stretch, quadriceps stretch, hamstring stretch, posterior pelvic tilt, conventional back-bridge, conventional back-bridge with elevated one leg, and sit-up. Although the effectiveness of the muscle energy technique on sacroiliac joint dysfunction to reduce pain and improve functional mobility. Two sessions per week for four weeks. In Recent research has investigated the effectiveness of Fascial Manipulation (FM) Stecco method in individuals with SIJ dysfunction. A total of 52 participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups and will undergo stecco fascial manipulation and muscle energy technique over a period of 4 weeks.Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, 1st weeks, and 4th week including pain self efficacy questionear(PSEQ), Algometer(Pain pressure threshold), Disability(oswetry disbility index) and lumber range of motion( Goniometer). Therefore the study aims to compare the effect of stecco fascial manipulation and muscle energy technique on pain pressure thresold, range of motion, and disability among patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction, in order to provide evidence based guidence for clinical practice.

Being tested
Stecco fascial manipulation, Muscle energy technique
Keywords
Stecco fascial manipulation, Muscle enrgy technique (MET), Functional disability

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Stecco fascial manipulationOther

    Stecco myofascial manipulation on the retro-lumbi which are located over the muscle bellies of the erector spinae at the T12- L1 level, retro-talus which are located in the myotendinous passage of the gastrocnemius, retro-thorax, which are located over the muscle bellies of the erector spinae, at the level of T4-T5, extra-thorax, which are located medially to the scapula, at the level of the scapular spine, over the rhomboid and serratus posterior superior muscle, extra-lumbi which are situated below the 12th rib, over the insertion of the oblique muscle. Fascial manipulation was not performed directly over the painful area; instead, selected fascial points situated at least 20 cm away from the site of pain were treated to avoid local tissue irritation and to utilize the principle of fascial continuity. Manual manipulation was performed using sustained deep pressure applied with the therapist's knuckles or elbow, combined with friction over the identified points.

  • Muscle energy techniqueOther

    MET was applied in two forms: Anterior and posterior dysfunction of the SIJ. The MET technique for correction of anterior dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint was performed by placing the individual in a lateral position on the opposite side to that of the dysfunction. The blocked leg was taken by the examiner, while the unaffected leg remained extended on the stretcher. The leg was placed in hip flexion until the first point of tension that prevented the posterior rotation of the ilium was found.hold it for 10 second and apply four repitation.In order to correct the SIJ dysfunction due to a posteriorly rotated ilium, the individual was placed in a prone position with his or her unaffected side leg in extension, while the affected side leg was in knee flexion. The therapist held the leg in a 90◦ flexion and tried to help hip extension so as to get the ilium to rotate posteriorly in order to correct the dysfunction. Hold it for 10 second and apply for four repitation.

Study groups in NCT07723014
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Stecco fascial manipulationExperimental26 patient were given the Stecco myofascial manipulation on the retro-lumbi which are located over the muscle bellies of the erector spinae at the T12- L1 level, retro-talus which are located in the myotendinous passage of the gastrocnemius, retro-thorax, which are located over the muscle bellies of the erector spinae, at the level of T4-T5, extra-thorax, which are located medially to the scapula, at the level of the scapular spine, over the rhomboid and serratus posterior superior muscle, extra-lumbi which are situated below the 12th rib, over the insertion of the oblique muscle. Fascial manipulation was not performed directly over the painful area; instead, selected fascial points situated at least 20 cm away from the site of pain were treated to avoid local tissue irritation and to utilize the principle of fascial continuity
Receives: Other: Stecco fascial manipulation
Muscle Energy TechniqueOther26 patients were given the muscle energy technique MET was applied in two forms: Anterior and posterior dysfunction of the SIJ. The MET technique for correction of anterior dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint was performed by placing the individual in a lateral position on the opposite side to that of the dysfunction. The blocked leg was taken by the examiner, while the unaffected leg remained extended on the stretcher. The leg was placed in hip flexion until the first point of tension that prevented the posterior rotation of the ilium was found. While this technique was being used, the patient was asked to push his leg into hip extension while the examiner held it and prevented movement. Four contractions were performed, resisted by the therapist, and held for 7-10 s. The individual was then asked to relax the leg, and the examiner continued to perform the hip flexion until a new point of tension was found
Receives: Other: Muscle energy technique

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Goniometer

    Lumbar range of motion (ROM) was assessed using a universal goniometer, a simple, handheld clinical instrument specifically designed to measure joint angles and the extent of movement in degrees. The goniometer consists of two arms and a central fulcrum, allowing accurate quantification of active lumbar movements, including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Standardized patient positioning and anatomical landmark identification were used to enhance measurement accuracy. Reduced lumbar ROM is commonly associated with pain and functional limitation in individuals with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

    Measured: [ baseline, 4 weeks( followup)]

  2. Pain self-efficacy questionnaire (PSEQ)

    Pain self-efficacy, defined as an individual's confidence in performing daily activities despite the presence of pain, was assessed using the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). The PSEQ is a widely used, condition-independent, self-reported outcome measure designed to evaluate how confidently individuals can function while experiencing pain. It consists of 10 items, each rated on a 7-point Likert scale (0-6), producing a total score ranging from 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating greater pain self-efficacy.

    Measured: baseline, 4 weeks (follow up)

  3. Algometer:

    Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed using a handheld pressure algometer, an objective instrument designed to quantify mechanical pain sensitivity by applying controlled, gradually increasing pressure to soft tissues. In this study, the algometer was applied over a standardized anatomical point in the sacroiliac joint region until the participant first perceived pain, at which point the corresponding value was recorded in kilograms or Newtons. Higher PPT values indicate greater pain tolerance, whereas lower values reflect increased pain sensitivity.

    Measured: baseline, 4 weeks(followup)

  4. Oswestry disability index (ODI)

    Functional disability related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), which is one of the most widely used and validated questionnaires for measuring disability associated with low back and pelvic pain. The ODI is a condition-specific, self-reported outcome measure designed to assess the degree to which pain affects an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living, including personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social life, and traveling. It consists of 10 items, each scored on a 6-point scale (0-5), yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 50, which is commonly converted into a percentage score, with higher scores indicating greater functional disability.

    Measured: baseline, 4 weeks ( followup)]

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted23 Jul 2026
  2. Study start1 May 2026
  3. Primary completion30 Jul 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion10 Oct 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Model description
This study will use a parallel-group randomized controlled design, with participants randomly allocated into two intervention groups. Group A (Stecco fascial manipulation): Participentwere given the Stecco myofascial manipulation was not performed directly over the painful area; instead, selected fascial points situated at least 20 cm away from the site of pain with the help of therapist knuckels and elbow.The principleGroup B Muscle enrgy technique for given to the correction of anterior and posterior dysfunction of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.Both groups received standardized conventional physiotherapy, which included the application of moist heat therapy using a hydrocollator hot pack. The hot pack was applied over the affected area with adequate towel layers for 10-15 minutes. Sessions will be conducted 1 times per week for 4 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups without crossover to ensure unbiased comparison of outcomes.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
52 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07723014
Sponsor's protocol ID
UBAS/ERB/26/04/024
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
20 Jul 2026
Last updated
23 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Hughes L, Paton B, Rosenblatt B, Gissane C, Patterson SD. Blood flow restriction training in clinical musculoskeletal rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2017 Jul;51(13):1003-1011. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097071. Epub 2017 Mar 4.

    PubMed 28259850
  • Centner C, Wiegel P, Gollhofer A, Konig D. Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy in Older Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2019 Jan;49(1):95-108. doi: 10.1007/s40279-018-0994-1.

    PubMed 30306467
  • Sorensen B, Aagaard P, Hjortshoj MH, Hansen SK, Suetta C, Couppe C, Magnusson SP, Johannsen FE. Physiological and clinical effects of low-intensity blood-flow restricted resistance exercise compared to standard rehabilitation in adults with knee osteoarthritis-Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2023 Dec 14;18(12):e0295666. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295666. eCollection 2023.

    PubMed 38096198
  • Harper SA, Roberts LM, Layne AS, Jaeger BC, Gardner AK, Sibille KT, Wu SS, Vincent KR, Fillingim RB, Manini TM, Buford TW. Blood-Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise for Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. J Clin Med. 2019 Feb 21;8(2):265. doi: 10.3390/jcm8020265.

    PubMed 30795545
  • Freitas EDS, Miller RM, Heishman AD, Aniceto RR, Silva JGC, Bemben MG. Perceptual responses to continuous versus intermittent blood flow restriction exercise: A randomized controlled trial. Physiol Behav. 2019 Dec 1;212:112717. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112717. Epub 2019 Oct 17.

    PubMed 31629764

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Stecco fascial manipulation and Muscle energy technique in people with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences 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 5 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Jul 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 Shahzaib Salik (+923241479454, shahzaibsalik322@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Goniometer (time frame: [ baseline, 4 weeks( followup)]). The study lists 4 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 NCT07723014, which also lists 5 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 23 Jul 2026.

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