Effects of PIR and PFS on Pain, ROM, and Disabilty in Tight Hamstring Syndrome

NCT ID: NCT06796491

Last Updated: 2025-07-15

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 46 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-03-10
• Study Completion Date: 2025-07-13

Brief Summary

This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of post-isometric relaxation (PIR) and post-facilitation stretch (PFS) on pain, range of motion, and disability in individuals with tight hamstring syndrome. Conducted at Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic, Lahore, participants aged 18-35 years with posterior thigh pain will be divided into two groups. Both groups will receive hot pack therapy and core strengthening exercises, with Group A receiving PIR and Group B receiving PFS. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks using NPRS, a disability questionnaire, and a goniometer, with data analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Detailed Description

Both PIR and PFS are subtypes of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) that have shown potential in improving muscle flexibility and reducing discomfort. This study aims to address the impacts of PIR and PFS on pain, ROM, and disability in patients with tight hamstrings syndrome, providing valuable insights for clinical practice and enhancing the understanding of effective interventions for this common musculoskeletal issue.

The current literature on stretching techniques for musculoskeletal conditions reveals several gaps specifically relevant to the effects of Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS) on tight hamstrings syndrome. Despite the high incidence of hamstring tightness and its association with conditions such as nonspecific low back pain, there is limited research directly comparing the effects of Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS) on this condition. While studies have explored various stretching methods such as Muscle Energy Technique (MET), static stretching, and myofascial release, there is a notable lack of direct comparative research between PIR and PFS in patients with tight hamstrings. Additionally, existing studies had often focused on immediate or short-term outcomes, with limited investigation into the long-term effects of these techniques on pain, range of motion (ROM), and disability.

Conditions

Hamstrings; Flexibility; Range of Motion; Disability

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

Post Isometric Relaxation

Patient applied the sub-maximal contraction almost 20%. Isometric contraction will be held for 10 seconds and then slight stretch for 30 seconds will be maintained. 4 contractions per treatment with 3 seconds rest between each contraction. This protocol continues 3 days/week for 4 weeks

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Post Isometric relaxation

Intervention Type: OTHER

Group A will receive Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) Patient applied the sub-maximal contraction almost 20%. Isometric contraction was held for 10 seconds and then slight stretch for 30 seconds was maintained.4 contractions per treatment with 3 seconds rest between each contraction. This protocol continues 3 days/week for 4 weeks conventional treatment Hot pack for 10 minutes Pelvic bridging: The subjects will be asked to lie supine and with knee flexed and then raise the pelvis upward till the comfort then hold that position for 5 sec and repetitions were 10 times Cat and camel: The subjects will be requested to prone kneel and then take a deep breath from nose while making hump in the back (cat) and breathe out from mouth while curving the spine (camel) for 5 second 10 times repetitions

Post Facilitation Stretch

Isometric contraction will be held for 10 seconds and then slight stretch for 30 seconds will be maintained. 4 contractions per treatment with 3 seconds rest between each contraction. This protocol continues 3 days/week 4 weeks. for hamstring flexibility

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Post Facilitation stretch

Intervention Type: OTHER

Group B will receive Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS) Isometric contraction was held for 10 seconds and then slight stretch for 30 seconds was maintained. 4 contractions per treatment with 3 seconds rest between each contraction. This protocol continues 3 days/week 4 weeks. for hamstring flexibility conventional treatment Hot pack for 10 minutes Pelvic bridging: The subjects will be asked to lie supine and with knee flexed and then raise the pelvis upward till the comfort then hold that position for 5 sec and repetitions were 10 times Cat and camel: The subjects will be requested to prone kneel and then take a deep breath from nose while making hump in the back (cat) and breathe out from mouth while curving the spine (camel) for 5 second 10 times repetitions

Interventions

Post Isometric relaxation

Group A will receive Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) Patient applied the sub-maximal contraction almost 20%. Isometric contraction was held for 10 seconds and then slight stretch for 30 seconds was maintained.4 contractions per treatment with 3 seconds rest between each contraction. This protocol continues 3 days/week for 4 weeks conventional treatment Hot pack for 10 minutes Pelvic bridging: The subjects will be asked to lie supine and with knee flexed and then raise the pelvis upward till the comfort then hold that position for 5 sec and repetitions were 10 times Cat and camel: The subjects will be requested to prone kneel and then take a deep breath from nose while making hump in the back (cat) and breathe out from mouth while curving the spine (camel) for 5 second 10 times repetitions

Intervention Type: OTHER

Post Facilitation stretch

Group B will receive Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS) Isometric contraction was held for 10 seconds and then slight stretch for 30 seconds was maintained. 4 contractions per treatment with 3 seconds rest between each contraction. This protocol continues 3 days/week 4 weeks. for hamstring flexibility conventional treatment Hot pack for 10 minutes Pelvic bridging: The subjects will be asked to lie supine and with knee flexed and then raise the pelvis upward till the comfort then hold that position for 5 sec and repetitions were 10 times Cat and camel: The subjects will be requested to prone kneel and then take a deep breath from nose while making hump in the back (cat) and breathe out from mouth while curving the spine (camel) for 5 second 10 times repetitions

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Both male and female
• Age between 18 to 35 years(45)
• Bilateral hamstring muscle tightness
• Individuals having lack of Active knee extension more than 20 degrees(46)

Exclusion Criteria

• Low back pain radiating to the back of thigh
• History of fracture, dislocation of hip(47)
• Acute or chronic hamstring injury
• Any neurological disease(48)
• Congenital deformity of the lower limb
• Inflammatory condition that affects motion
• A history of a cervical whiplash injury(45)

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 35 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Riphah International University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Hira Shaukat, TDPT

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Riphah International University

Locations

Zafar Hospital lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Countries

Pakistan

References

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Reference Type: BACKGROUND

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Other Identifiers

REC/RCR&AHS/24/0155

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id