Deep Gluteal SyndromeNeural GlidersNCT07772674
Neural Gliders With and Without ESWT for Deep Gluteal Syndrome
A study testing Group A= Neural Gliders with ESWT and Group B= Neural Gliders without ESWT in people with Deep Gluteal Syndrome, run by University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing Neural Gliders with and without Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome. A total of 44 participants are divided equally into two groups: Group A receives neural gliders, ESWT, and conventional physiotherapy, while Group B… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 months to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Deep Gluteal Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Group A= Neural Gliders with ESWT and Group B= Neural Gliders without ESWT
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 46 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Aug 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 25 months to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals aged 25 to 45 years, including both genders 55
- Positive FAIR, Active Piriformis Test, Seated Piriformis Stretch Test 56,6,57
- NPRS pain score ≥ 3/10 55
- For a minimum of four weeks, there has been unilateral discomfort in the buttock, with or without accompanying posterior thigh pain, exacerbated by sitting 58
Who cannot join
- Previous surgery involving the ipsilateral hip, pelvis, lumbar spine, or sacroiliac joint 34
- Women who were pregnant or nursing were excluded 59
- Medical conditions such as tumors or fractures 60
- Neuromuscular disorders that impair normal lumbopelvic morphology or progressive neurologic disease 60
- Disc pathologies identified through radiological imaging 17
- Pathologies of the hip joint and soft tissues 17
Show all 9Show fewer
- Recent trauma history 17
- History of polyneuropathy, sciatic nerve injury, rheumatological disease, or malignancy 17
- Corticosteroid therapy or opioid-derived analgesia for pain during the previous month 17
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
University of Management and technology Sialkot Campus
Sialkot, Punjab Province, 51070
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Neural Gliders With and Without Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Functional Disability, and Nerve Mechanosensitivity in Patients With Deep Gluteal Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing Neural Gliders with and without Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome. A total of 44 participants are divided equally into two groups: Group A receives neural gliders, ESWT, and conventional physiotherapy, while Group B receives neural gliders with conventional physiotherapy only. The study evaluates changes in pain, functional disability, and nerve mechano-sensitivity using NPRS, ODI, LEFS, Slump Test, FAIR Test, and SLR. Its aim is to determine whether adding ESWT provides greater clinical improvement than neural gliders alone.
Read the detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effects of Neural Gliders with and without Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome (DGS). A total of 44 participants will be randomly divided into two equal groups of 22. Group A will receive neural gliding exercises combined with ESWT and conventional physiotherapy, while Group B will receive neural gliding exercises with conventional physiotherapy only. The conventional treatment includes a hot pack and piriformis stretching. The main outcomes are pain intensity, functional disability, lower-limb function, and nerve mechano-sensitivity, assessed using the NPRS, ODI, LEFS, Slump Test, FAIR Test, and Straight Leg Raise (SLR). The intervention is planned for 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, and the study aims to determine whether adding ESWT to neural gliders provides greater improvement in pain, function, and nerve mobility than neural gliders alone.
- Conditions
- Deep Gluteal Syndrome
- Being tested
- Group A= Neural Gliders with ESWT, Group B= Neural Gliders without ESWT
- Keywords
- Neural Gliders, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Deep Gluteal Syndrome, Piriformis Muscle
- Medical subject headings
- Hip socket neuropathy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Group A= Neural Gliders with ESWTOther
We use Neural Gliders in Deep Gluteal Syndrome because the sciatic nerve can become irritated or restricted as it passes through the deep gluteal region. Neural gliding produces gentle alternating movements that allow the nerve to slide within its pathway, helping improve nerve mobility, reduce mechano-sensitivity, improve circulation around the nerve, and decrease pain and functional limitation.
We combine Neural Gliders with ESWT because the two interventions target different components of the problem. Neural gliders mainly address nerve mobility and sensitivity, while ESWT is intended to act on the surrounding deep gluteal/piriformis tissues by helping reduce pain, improve blood flow, decrease tissue tightness, and stimulate healing.
Group B= Neural Gliders without ESWTOther
We use neural gliders to improve sciatic nerve mobility and reduce nerve mechano-sensitivity. We add ESWT because it may reduce pain, improve circulation, and treat tight or restricted deep gluteal tissues. Therefore, the combination may address both the nerve and the surrounding soft tissues more effectively."
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| GROUP A (Neural Gliders with ESWT) | Experimental | Arm Description: Participants in Group A will receive neural gliding exercises combined with radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) along with standardized conventional physiotherapy. Neural gliders will be performed in supine lying with the hip flexed, while ESWT will be applied over the piriformis/deep gluteal region. Neural gliding will be performed as 2 sets of 10 repetitions, and ESWT will be delivered at 2000 shocks per session with a frequency of 10-15 Hz. Treatment will be given 4 sessions per week for 6 weeks, with both groups also receiving a hot pack and piriformis stretching. Receives: Other: Group A= Neural Gliders with ESWT |
| GROUP B (Neural Gliders Without ESWT) | Other | Arm Description: Participants in Group B will receive Neural Gliding exercises without ESWT, along with standardized conventional physiotherapy. Neural gliders will be performed in supine lying with the hip flexed, targeting the piriformis region and sciatic nerve pathway. The exercises will be performed as 2 sets of 10 repetitions, with treatment provided 4 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Conventional physiotherapy will include a 10-minute hot pack and piriformis stretching, with no ESWT applied in this group Receives: Other: Group B= Neural Gliders without ESWT |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Universal Gonimeter
A Universal Goniometer is a simple clinical instrument used to measure joint range of motion in degrees. It consists of a central axis or fulcrum with one stationary arm and one movable arm, which are aligned with anatomical landmarks during measurement. In this study, the goniometer is used during the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test to record the angle at which pain, tightness, or neural symptoms appear. A lower SLR angle indicates greater restriction or nerve mechano-sensitivity, while an increased angle after treatment suggests improved nerve mobility and functional recovery.
Measured: 6 weeks
NPRS
The NPRS is simple 0-10 scale used to measure pain intensity. Patients rate their pain where 0=no pain and 10=worst possible pain. In your study, it helps track changes in buttock and leg caused by deep gluteal syndrome. A score reduction after treatment indicates improvement. Clinically, a change of ≥ 2 points is considered meaningful
Measured: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
LEFS
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a patient-reported outcome measure utilized to evaluate functional impairments in individuals with lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders
.
Measured: 6 WEEKS
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Aug 2026
- Study start15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion25 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 (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Deep Gluteal 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
- This study follows a single-blinded randomized controlled trial model involving 44 patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome, randomly allocated into two equal groups of 22 participants. Group A receives Neural Gliders combined with ESWT and conventional physiotherapy, while Group B receives Neural Gliders with conventional physiotherapy only. Both groups are treated 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Outcomes are assessed before and after treatment using NPRS, LEFS, Slump Test, FAIR Test, and SLR to evaluate pain, functional disability, lower-limb function, and nerve mechano-sensitivity. The model is designed to determine whether adding ESWT to Neural Gliders provides additional clinical benefit compared with Neural Gliders alone.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Hamza Zahid, MS OMPT, Principal investigator, University of Management and Technology Sialkot PakistanDanyal Ahmad, PhD Scholar, Study chair, University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07772674
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- kuhs/dpt/umt-skt-00262
- Acronym
- Neural Gliders
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 10 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Martin HD, Reddy M, Gomez-Hoyos J. Deep gluteal syndrome. J Hip Preserv Surg. 2015 Jul;2(2):99-107. doi: 10.1093/jhps/hnv029. Epub 2015 Jun 6.
PubMed 270118263. Hopayian, K., et al. (2020-2024). Clinical features of piriformis syndrome. European Spine Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06543
2. Vanti, C., et al. (2023). Deep gluteal syndrome: Clinical features and management. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor. (search source: Wiley Online Library)
1. Metikala, S., & Sharma, V. (2022). Deep gluteal syndrome: Sciatic nerve entrapment. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Neural Gliders With and Without Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Functional Disability, and Nerve Mechanosensitivity in Patients With Deep Gluteal Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07772674
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Neural Gliders / kuhs/dpt/umt-skt-00262
- Conditions
- Deep Gluteal Syndrome
- Keywords
- Neural Gliders, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Deep Gluteal Syndrome, Piriformis Muscle
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Sialkot PakistanUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 25 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 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.
This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing Neural Gliders with and without Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome. A total of 44 participants are divided equally into two groups: Group A receives neural gliders, ESWT, and conventional physiotherapy, while Group B receives neural gliders with conventional physiotherapy only. The study evaluates changes in pain, functional disability, and nerve mechano-sensitivity using NPRS, ODI, LEFS, Slump Test, FAIR Test, and SLR. Its aim is to determine whether adding ESWT provides greater clinical improvement than neural gliders alone.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effects of Neural Gliders with and without Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome (DGS). A total of 44 participants will be randomly divided into two equal groups of 22. Group A will receive neural gliding exercises combined with ESWT and conventional physiotherapy, while Group B will receive neural gliding exercises with conventional physiotherapy only. The conventional treatment includes a hot pack and piriformis stretching. The main outcomes are pain intensity, functional disability, lower-limb function, and nerve mechano-sensitivity, assessed using the NPRS, ODI, LEFS, Slump Test, FAIR Test, and Straight Leg Raise (SLR). The intervention is planned for 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, and the study aims to determine whether adding ESWT to neural gliders provides greater improvement in pain, function, and nerve mobility than neural gliders alone.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study follows a single-blinded randomized controlled trial model involving 44 patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome, randomly allocated into two equal groups of 22 participants. Group A receives Neural Gliders combined with ESWT and conventional physiotherapy, while Group B receives Neural Gliders with conventional physiotherapy only. Both groups are treated 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Outcomes are assessed before and after treatment using NPRS, LEFS, Slump Test, FAIR Test, and SLR to evaluate pain, functional disability, lower-limb function, and nerve mechano-sensitivity. The model is designed to determine whether adding ESWT to Neural Gliders provides additional clinical benefit compared with Neural Gliders alone.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| GROUP A (Neural Gliders with ESWT) | Experimental | Other: Group A= Neural Gliders with ESWTArm Description: Participants in Group A will receive neural gliding exercises combined with radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) along with standardized conventional physiotherapy. Neural gliders will be performed in supine lying with the hip flexed, while ESWT will be applied over the piriformis/deep gluteal region. Neural gliding will be performed as 2 sets of 10 repetitions, and ESWT will be delivered at 2000 shocks per session with a frequency of 10-15 Hz. Treatment will be given 4 sessions per week for 6 weeks, with both groups also receiving a hot pack and piriformis stretching. |
| GROUP B (Neural Gliders Without ESWT) | Other | Other: Group B= Neural Gliders without ESWTArm Description: Participants in Group B will receive Neural Gliding exercises without ESWT, along with standardized conventional physiotherapy. Neural gliders will be performed in supine lying with the hip flexed, targeting the piriformis region and sciatic nerve pathway. The exercises will be performed as 2 sets of 10 repetitions, with treatment provided 4 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Conventional physiotherapy will include a 10-minute hot pack and piriformis stretching, with no ESWT applied in this group |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 months to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Individuals aged 25 to 45 years, including both genders 55
- Positive FAIR, Active Piriformis Test, Seated Piriformis Stretch Test 56,6,57
- NPRS pain score ≥ 3/10 55
- For a minimum of four weeks, there has been unilateral discomfort in the buttock, with or without accompanying posterior thigh pain, exacerbated by sitting 58
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Previous surgery involving the ipsilateral hip, pelvis, lumbar spine, or sacroiliac joint 34
- Women who were pregnant or nursing were excluded 59
- Medical conditions such as tumors or fractures 60
- Neuromuscular disorders that impair normal lumbopelvic morphology or progressive neurologic disease 60
- Disc pathologies identified through radiological imaging 17
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Group A= Neural Gliders with ESWTWe use Neural Gliders in Deep Gluteal Syndrome because the sciatic nerve can become irritated or restricted as it passes through the deep gluteal region. Neural gliding produces gentle alternating movements that allow the nerve to slide within its pathway, helping improve nerve mobility, reduce mechano-sensitivity, improve circulation around the nerve, and decrease pain and functional limitation. We combine Neural Gliders with ESWT because the two interventions target different components of the problem. Neural gliders mainly address nerve mobility and sensitivity, while ESWT is intended to act on the surrounding deep gluteal/piriformis tissues by helping reduce pain, improve blood flow, decrease tissue tightness, and stimulate healing. | Other | GROUP A (Neural Gliders with ESWT) |
| Group B= Neural Gliders without ESWTWe use neural gliders to improve sciatic nerve mobility and reduce nerve mechano-sensitivity. We add ESWT because it may reduce pain, improve circulation, and treat tight or restricted deep gluteal tissues. Therefore, the combination may address both the nerve and the surrounding soft tissues more effectively." | Other | GROUP B (Neural Gliders Without ESWT) |
Primary outcome
Universal Gonimeter
Time frame: 6 weeks
A Universal Goniometer is a simple clinical instrument used to measure joint range of motion in degrees. It consists of a central axis or fulcrum with one stationary arm and one movable arm, which are aligned with anatomical landmarks during measurement. In this study, the goniometer is used during the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test to record the angle at which pain, tightness, or neural symptoms appear. A lower SLR angle indicates greater restriction or nerve mechano-sensitivity, while an increased angle after treatment suggests improved nerve mobility and functional recovery.
NPRS
Time frame: 6 weeks
The NPRS is simple 0-10 scale used to measure pain intensity. Patients rate their pain where 0=no pain and 10=worst possible pain. In your study, it helps track changes in buttock and leg caused by deep gluteal syndrome. A score reduction after treatment indicates improvement. Clinically, a change of ≥ 2 points is considered meaningful
1 secondary outcome
LEFS
Time frame: 6 WEEKS
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 21 Aug 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 27011826Martin HD, Reddy M, Gomez-Hoyos J. Deep gluteal syndrome. J Hip Preserv Surg. 2015 Jul;2(2):99-107. doi: 10.1093/jhps/hnv029. Epub 2015 Jun 6.
- Results publication3. Hopayian, K., et al. (2020-2024). Clinical features of piriformis syndrome. European Spine Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06543
- Results publication2. Vanti, C., et al. (2023). Deep gluteal syndrome: Clinical features and management. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor. (search source: Wiley Online Library)
- Results publication1. Metikala, S., & Sharma, V. (2022). Deep gluteal syndrome: Sciatic nerve entrapment. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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.
Hamza Zahid, MS OMPT principal investigator
University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan
Danyal Ahmad, PhD Scholar study chair
University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Group A= Neural Gliders with ESWT and Group B= Neural Gliders without ESWT in people with Deep Gluteal Syndrome, run by University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan 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: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 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 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?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Universal Gonimeter (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 2 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 NCT07772674, which also lists 4 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 21 Aug 2026.