Autogenic Inhibition Versus Reciprocal Inhibition Muscle Energy Techniques in Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Foundation University Islamabad

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Treatments: Procedure: Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) MET; Procedure: Autogenic Inhibition (AI) MET (Post Facilitation Stretch)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06867159

FUI/CTR/2025/3

Details and patient eligibility

About

Comparison of effects of autogenic inhibition and reciprocal inhibition muscle energy techniques on iliotibial band syndrome

Full description

A single-blinded randomized control trial will be conducted over a period of one year in Foundation University Islamabad. Forty participants will be assigned to two groups: Group A (AI) and Group B (RI), with 20 participants each. The AI technique will involve a maximal isometric contraction of the target muscle followed by a stretch, while the RI technique will involve a maximal isometric contraction of the antagonist muscle followed by a similar stretching protocol. Both groups will perform the exercises 3 times per week for 2 weeks. Pain, Hip range of motion (ROM) and lower extremity function will be assessed using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometer and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) respectively.

The outcomes will be measured in terms of improvements in pain score (NPRS), hip range of motion (ROM), and overall lower extremity function.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 19 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Both male and female participants
• Age : 19-45years (8)
• Lateral knee pain (>3 months)
• Tenderness over lateral femoral condyle
• Positive Flexibility Tests
• Modified Ober's test (9)
• Length assessment of Tensor Fasciae Latae and Iliotibial Band (10)
• Positive Pain Provocation Tests
• Renne's test
• Noble's Compression test (11) *(individuals with 3 positive tests out of above mentioned 4 tests will be included)

Exclusion Criteria

• Recent lower limb or pelvic girdle surgery within the past 3 months
• Lower limb fractures or trauma within the past year.
• Multiple lower limb surgeries (>2)
• Presence of any structural or postural disorders (kyphosis or severe scoliosis)
• Neurological disorders
• Hip and knee Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Pregnancy

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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40 participants in 2 patient groups

Autogenic Inhibition (AI) MET Group

Experimental group

Description:

Autogenic Inhibition (AI) MET (Post Facilitation Stretch) 1. The shortened muscle (Tensor Fascia Latae) is placed in a mid-range position about halfway between a fully stretched and a fully relaxed state. 2. The patient contracts the muscle isometrically, using a maximum degree of effort for 5-10 seconds while the effort is resisted completely. 3. On release of the effort, a rapid stretch is made to a new barrier, without any 'bounce', and this is held for at least 10 seconds. 4. The patient relaxes for approximately 20 seconds and the procedure is repeated between three and five times more.

Treatment:

Procedure: Autogenic Inhibition (AI) MET (Post Facilitation Stretch)

Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) MET Group

Experimental group

Description:

Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) MET 1. The shortened muscle (Tensor Fascia Latae) is placed in a mid-range position about halfway between a fully stretched and a fully relaxed state. 2. The patient contracts the antagonist muscles (hip adductors), using a maximum degree of effort for 5-10 seconds while the effort is resisted completely. 3. On release of the effort, a rapid stretch to TFL is made to a new barrier, without any 'bounce', and this is held for at least 10 seconds. 4. The patient relaxes for approximately 20 seconds and the procedure is repeated between three and five times more.

Treatment:

Procedure: Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) MET