Piriformis SyndromeNCT07769203
Effects of MET and MFR on Piriformis Syndrome
A study testing Muscle Energy Technique, Myofascial Release Technique and Conventional Physical Therapy in people with Piriformis Syndrome, run by Igdir University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Piriformis Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Muscle Energy Technique, Myofascial Release Technique and Conventional Physical Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 72 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 30 Aug 2026to Dec 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 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Show all 11Show fewer
- 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)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Hasan Kalyoncu University Faculty of Health Sciences
Gaziantep, Şehitkamil, 27000
Nuran Akdağ Mirzaoğlu, Msc/PT/Lecture, +905058179557, ptnurank@gmail.com
Yavuz Yakut, Prof. Dr., +905324181001, yavuz.yakut@hku.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Myofascial Release Technique on Pain Threshold, Muscle Activation Pattern, and Muscle Strength in Piriformis Syndrome
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.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Being tested
- Muscle Energy Technique, Myofascial Release Technique, Conventional Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- Piriformis Syndrome, Muscle Energy Technique, Myofascial Release, Surface EMG, Pain Threshold, Muscle Strength, Rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Piriformis Muscle Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Muscle Energy TechniqueProcedure or surgery
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 or surgery
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 or surgery
Participants in the control group will receive conventional physical therapy for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Energy Technique Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in addition to conventional physical therapy for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. Receives: Procedure: Muscle Energy Technique |
| Myofascial Release Technique Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive Myofascial Release Technique (MFR) in addition to conventional physical therapy for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. Receives: Procedure: Myofascial Release Technique |
| Conventional Physical Therapy Group | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive conventional physical therapy for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. Receives: Procedure: Conventional Physical Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pressure Pain Threshold
Assessment of pressure pain threshold using an algometer.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Secondary outcomes (8)
Pain Severity (SF-MPQ)
Pain intensity and pain characteristics will be evaluated using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Higher scores indicate greater pain severity.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Muscle Strength
Assessment of lower extremity muscle strength using a digital dynamometer.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Muscle Activation Pattern
Assessment of muscle activation patterns using surface electromyography (sEMG) in the FAIR position.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
Assessment of lower extremity functional status using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Assessment of disability level using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF)
Assessment of quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF).
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Sleep Quality (PSQI)
Assessment of sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
6-Minute Walk Test
Assessment of functional exercise capacity using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Aug 2026
- Study start30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionNov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- 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
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) group, the Myofascial Release Technique (MFR) group, and the control group. All participants will receive treatment for 8 weeks, with 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. Outcome measures will be assessed before and after the intervention period.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Igdir University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nuran Akdag, Igdir University
- Investigators
- Yavuz Yakut, Prof. Dr., Principal investigator, Hasan Kalyoncu University Faculty of Health Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07769203
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HKU-PIR-MET-2026
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 12 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 17 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) sharing has not yet been determined. Data sharing plans may be evaluated after study completion in accordance with institutional policies and participant confidentiality.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Myofascial Release Technique on Pain Threshold, Muscle Activation Pattern, and Muscle Strength in Piriformis Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07769203
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HKU-PIR-MET-2026
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Keywords
- Piriformis Syndrome, Muscle Energy Technique, Myofascial Release, Surface EMG, Pain Threshold, Muscle Strength, Rehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Igdir UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Aug 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.
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.
Detailed description
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 design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) group, the Myofascial Release Technique (MFR) group, and the control group. All participants will receive treatment for 8 weeks, with 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. Outcome measures will be assessed before and after the intervention period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Energy Technique Group | Experimental | Procedure: Muscle Energy TechniqueParticipants in this group will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in addition to conventional physical therapy for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. |
| Myofascial Release Technique Group | Experimental | Procedure: Myofascial Release TechniqueParticipants in this group will receive Myofascial Release Technique (MFR) in addition to conventional physical therapy for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. |
| Conventional Physical Therapy Group | Active comparator | Procedure: Conventional Physical TherapyParticipants in this group will receive conventional physical therapy for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- 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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Energy TechniqueMuscle 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. | Procedure or surgery | Muscle Energy Technique Group |
| Myofascial Release TechniqueMyofascial 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. | Procedure or surgery | Myofascial Release Technique Group |
| Conventional Physical TherapyParticipants in the control group will receive conventional physical therapy for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. | Procedure or surgery | Conventional Physical Therapy Group |
Primary outcome
Pressure Pain Threshold
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Assessment of pressure pain threshold using an algometer.
8 secondary outcomes
Pain Severity (SF-MPQ)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Muscle Strength
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Muscle Activation Pattern
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
Sleep Quality (PSQI)
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
6-Minute Walk Test
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment
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 17 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) sharing has not yet been determined. Data sharing plans may be evaluated after study completion in accordance with institutional policies and participant confidentiality.
Related trials for Piriformis Syndrome
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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.
Yavuz Yakut, Prof. Dr. principal investigator
Hasan Kalyoncu University Faculty of Health Sciences
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Muscle Energy Technique, Myofascial Release Technique and Conventional Physical Therapy in people with Piriformis Syndrome, run by Igdir University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 6 inclusion and 11 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 17 Aug 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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 Nuran Akdağ Mirzaoğlu, Msc/PT/Lecture (+905058179557, ptnurank@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pressure Pain Threshold (time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 17 Aug 2026.