Sacroiliac Joint DysfunctionMCT-SSTNCT07852741
Effects of Modified Clamshell Training Versus Sling System Training on Pain, Functional Disability, and SIJ Nutation Control in Postpartum Women With SIJ Dysfunction
A study testing Sling System Training and Modified Clamshell training in people with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Postpartum Women, run by Dr Aneeqa Sultan at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is a common musculoskeletal condition that can occur during the postpartum period due to pregnancy-related biomechanical, hormonal, and lumbopelvic changes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 35 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, Postpartum Women
- What is being tested?
- Sling System Training and Modified Clamshell training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 20 Oct 2025to 28 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 35 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Females aged 20-35 years.
- Postpartum period of 6 weeks to 6 months following normal vaginal delivery.
- Presence of unilateral sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD).
- SIJ dysfunction confirmed by clinical assessment using Laslett's criteria, including the distraction, compression, thigh thrust, sacral thrust, and Gaenslen tests.
- Assessment of SIJ nutation using a digital inclinometer.
Who cannot join
- Lower back/waist or leg pain attributable to causes other than sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
- History of SIJ sprain with relevant abnormal clinical findings.
- Tuberculosis affecting the sacroiliac joint or spine.
- Tumor or fracture involving the relevant region.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Inability to understand the study procedures or provide informed consent.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Rehab Healthcare Clinic and Hazrat Ayesha saddiqua Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 33510
About this study
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is a common musculoskeletal condition that can occur during the postpartum period due to pregnancy-related biomechanical, hormonal, and lumbopelvic changes. It may cause pain around the sacroiliac region, impaired pelvic stability, and functional disability, which can affect daily activities and quality of life. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of Modified Clamshell Training (MCT) compared with Sling System Training (SST) in postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction. The study will assess the effects of both interventions on pain, functional disability, and SIJ nutation control. A total of 36 postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction will be randomly allocated into two groups, with 18 participants receiving MCT and 18 receiving SST. Both groups will receive the same baseline treatment, and the interventions will be delivered for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention to determine changes in pain, functional disability, and SIJ nutation control.
Read the detailed description
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by altered movement or mechanical dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint and may be associated with pain, reduced pelvic stability, and functional limitations. The postpartum period may increase the risk of SIJ dysfunction because pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by biomechanical and hormonal changes that can influence pelvic stability, load transfer, and neuromuscular control. Persistent SIJ-related symptoms may interfere with mobility, daily activities, and overall functional performance.
The present randomized controlled trial is designed to compare the effects of Modified Clench Training (MCT) and Sling System Training (SST) in postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction. The study will specifically investigate whether these two exercise approaches produce changes in pain intensity, functional disability, and SIJ nutation control.
A total of 36 eligible postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction will participate in the study. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups. The Modified Clamshell Training group (n=18) will perform MCT aimed at improving hip and lumbopelvic muscular control. The Sling System Training group (n=18) will perform exercises targeting the relevant functional sling systems involved in lumbopelvic stability and load transfer.
Both groups will receive the same baseline treatment, including hot pack and SIJ range-of-motion exercises, followed by their respective exercise programs. The exercise intervention will be provided for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions per week. Each session will last approximately 30-40 minutes, with 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions according to the study protocol.
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), while functional disability will be assessed using the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ). SIJ nutation control will be assessed using a digital inclinometer. Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline and following the intervention, with relevant weekly measurements collected according to the study protocol.
The study will compare changes within each group and between the two intervention groups to determine the effects of Modified Clamshell Training and Sling System Training on pain, functional disability, and SIJ nutation control in postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction.
- Conditions
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, Postpartum Women
- Being tested
- Sling System Training, Modified Clamshell training
- Keywords
- Sling system training, Functional Disability, nutation control
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sling System TrainingOther
ling System Training Description: Participants will receive a 6-week Sling System Training program targeting lumbopelvic stability and SIJ nutation control. The program will include exercises targeting the posterior oblique sling, lateral sling, and deep longitudinal sling. Exercises will include bridge with contralateral arm movement, single-leg bridge, side-lying hip abduction, resisted lateral walking, side lunges, single-leg Romanian deadlift, and bridge/hamstring exercises. Training will be performed 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, with 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions per exercise and each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. Participants will also receive the same baseline treatment of hot pack and SIJ range-of-motion exercises
Modified Clamshell trainingOther
Participants will receive a 6-week Modified Clamshell Training program aimed at improving hip muscle activation and lumbopelvic stability in postpartum women with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The exercise program will be performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Each session will last approximately 30-40 minutes and will consist of 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions. Participants will also receive the same baseline treatment provided to both groups, including hot pack and sacroiliac joint range-of-motion exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Clamshell Training | Active comparator | Participants will receive a 6-week modified clamshell training program aimed at improving hip muscle activation and lumbopelvic stability in postpartum women with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The exercise program will be performed three times per week. Each session will last approximately 30-40 minutes, with 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions. Participants will also receive the same baseline treatment provided to both groups, including hot pack and sacroiliac joint range-of-motion exercises. Receives: Other: Modified Clamshell training |
| Sling system training | Active comparator | Participants will receive a 6-week Sling System Training program targeting lumbopelvic stability and SIJ nutation control. The program will include exercises targeting the posterior oblique sling, lateral sling, and deep longitudinal sling. Exercises will include bridge with contralateral arm movement, single-leg bridge, side-lying hip abduction, resisted lateral walking, side lunges, single-leg Romanian deadlift, and bridge/hamstring exercises. Training will be performed 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, with 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions per exercise and each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. Participants will also receive the same baseline treatment of hot pack and SIJ range-of-motion exercises Receives: Other: Sling System Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale for pain
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS): Pain intensity will be assessed using the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale, ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain. Participants will be asked to rate their current level of pain based on their symptoms related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The NPRS score will be recorded at baseline and after the 6-week intervention to determine changes in pain intensity.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Pelvic Girdle questionnaire for Functional Disability
Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ): Functional disability will be assessed using the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire, a condition-specific self-reported questionnaire designed to assess symptoms and activity limitations associated with pelvic girdle pain. It consists of 25 items covering symptoms and limitations in activities and physical functioning. Each item is scored on a 4-point response scale (0-3). The total score is converted into a percentage ranging from 0% to 100%, with higher scores indicating greater disability and more severe symptoms, while lower scores indicate better functional status. Participants will complete the PGQ at baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention. Changes in PGQ scores will be used to determine the effects of MCT and SST on functional disability in postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Digital Incliometer
SIJ nutation control will be assessed using a digital inclinometer, which measures angular movement in degrees (°) during the standardized assessment procedure. In this study, the digital inclinometer will be used to evaluate SIJ nutation control in postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction. Measurements will be recorded at baseline and after the 6-week intervention, with weekly measurements collected according to the study protocol. A greater improvement in the measured nutation-control value from baseline will indicate improved SIJ nutation control, whereas a smaller or unchanged value will indicate less improvement. The interpretation of the measurement will be based on the specific testing procedure and positioning used in the study.
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Oct 2026
- Study start20 Oct 2025
- Primary completion27 May 2026
- Study completion28 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Sacroiliac Joint DysfunctionStudies 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
- Parallel Assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Dr Aneeqa Sultan
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Dr Aneeqa Sultan, Superior University
- Investigators
- Quratulain Ashfaq, Principal investigator, Superior University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07852741
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REHAB/04/26/MS/RS-4092
- Acronym
- MCT-SST
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Modified Clamshell Training Versus Sling System Training on Pain, Functional Disability, and SIJ Nutation Control in Postpartum Women With SIJ Dysfunction
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07852741
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MCT-SST / REHAB/04/26/MS/RS-4092
- Conditions
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, Postpartum Women
- Keywords
- Sling system training, Functional Disability, nutation control
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Dr Aneeqa SultanUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 27 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 28 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Oct 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.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is a common musculoskeletal condition that can occur during the postpartum period due to pregnancy-related biomechanical, hormonal, and lumbopelvic changes. It may cause pain around the sacroiliac region, impaired pelvic stability, and functional disability, which can affect daily activities and quality of life. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of Modified Clamshell Training (MCT) compared with Sling System Training (SST) in postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction. The study will assess the effects of both interventions on pain, functional disability, and SIJ nutation control. A total of 36 postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction will be randomly allocated into two groups, with 18 participants receiving MCT and 18 receiving SST. Both groups will receive the same baseline treatment, and the interventions will be delivered for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention to determine changes in pain, functional disability, and SIJ nutation control.
Detailed description
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by altered movement or mechanical dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint and may be associated with pain, reduced pelvic stability, and functional limitations. The postpartum period may increase the risk of SIJ dysfunction because pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by biomechanical and hormonal changes that can influence pelvic stability, load transfer, and neuromuscular control. Persistent SIJ-related symptoms may interfere with mobility, daily activities, and overall functional performance.
The present randomized controlled trial is designed to compare the effects of Modified Clench Training (MCT) and Sling System Training (SST) in postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction. The study will specifically investigate whether these two exercise approaches produce changes in pain intensity, functional disability, and SIJ nutation control.
A total of 36 eligible postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction will participate in the study. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups. The Modified Clamshell Training group (n=18) will perform MCT aimed at improving hip and lumbopelvic muscular control. The Sling System Training group (n=18) will perform exercises targeting the relevant functional sling systems involved in lumbopelvic stability and load transfer.
Both groups will receive the same baseline treatment, including hot pack and SIJ range-of-motion exercises, followed by their respective exercise programs. The exercise intervention will be provided for 6 weeks, with 3 sessions per week. Each session will last approximately 30-40 minutes, with 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions according to the study protocol.
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), while functional disability will be assessed using the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ). SIJ nutation control will be assessed using a digital inclinometer. Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline and following the intervention, with relevant weekly measurements collected according to the study protocol.
The study will compare changes within each group and between the two intervention groups to determine the effects of Modified Clamshell Training and Sling System Training on pain, functional disability, and SIJ nutation control in postpartum women with SIJ dysfunction.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Parallel Assignment
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Clamshell Training | Active comparator | Other: Modified Clamshell trainingParticipants will receive a 6-week modified clamshell training program aimed at improving hip muscle activation and lumbopelvic stability in postpartum women with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The exercise program will be performed three times per week. Each session will last approximately 30-40 minutes, with 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions. Participants will also receive the same baseline treatment provided to both groups, including hot pack and sacroiliac joint range-of-motion exercises. |
| Sling system training | Active comparator | Other: Sling System TrainingParticipants will receive a 6-week Sling System Training program targeting lumbopelvic stability and SIJ nutation control. The program will include exercises targeting the posterior oblique sling, lateral sling, and deep longitudinal sling. Exercises will include bridge with contralateral arm movement, single-leg bridge, side-lying hip abduction, resisted lateral walking, side lunges, single-leg Romanian deadlift, and bridge/hamstring exercises. Training will be performed 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, with 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions per exercise and each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. Participants will also receive the same baseline treatment of hot pack and SIJ range-of-motion exercises |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 35 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Females aged 20-35 years.
- Postpartum period of 6 weeks to 6 months following normal vaginal delivery.
- Presence of unilateral sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD).
- SIJ dysfunction confirmed by clinical assessment using Laslett's criteria, including the distraction, compression, thigh thrust, sacral thrust, and Gaenslen tests.
- Assessment of SIJ nutation using a digital inclinometer.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Lower back/waist or leg pain attributable to causes other than sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
- History of SIJ sprain with relevant abnormal clinical findings.
- Tuberculosis affecting the sacroiliac joint or spine.
- Tumor or fracture involving the relevant region.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sling System Trainingling System Training Description: Participants will receive a 6-week Sling System Training program targeting lumbopelvic stability and SIJ nutation control. The program will include exercises targeting the posterior oblique sling, lateral sling, and deep longitudinal sling. Exercises will include bridge with contralateral arm movement, single-leg bridge, side-lying hip abduction, resisted lateral walking, side lunges, single-leg Romanian deadlift, and bridge/hamstring exercises. Training will be performed 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, with 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions per exercise and each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. Participants will also receive the same baseline treatment of hot pack and SIJ range-of-motion exercises | Other | Sling system training |
| Modified Clamshell trainingParticipants will receive a 6-week Modified Clamshell Training program aimed at improving hip muscle activation and lumbopelvic stability in postpartum women with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The exercise program will be performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Each session will last approximately 30-40 minutes and will consist of 3 sets of 12-14 repetitions. Participants will also receive the same baseline treatment provided to both groups, including hot pack and sacroiliac joint range-of-motion exercises. | Other | Modified Clamshell Training |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale for pain
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS): Pain intensity will be assessed using the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale, ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain. Participants will be asked to rate their current level of pain based on their symptoms related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The NPRS score will be recorded at baseline and after the 6-week intervention to determine changes in pain intensity.
2 secondary outcomes
Pelvic Girdle questionnaire for Functional Disability
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Digital Incliometer
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Oct 2026.
- 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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Quratulain Ashfaq principal investigator
Superior 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 Sling System Training and Modified Clamshell training in people with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Postpartum Women, run by Dr Aneeqa Sultan 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 6 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Oct 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
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?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale for pain (time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks). 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 13 Oct 2026.