Nimra Ilyas, Ayesha Jamil, Sana Akram, Rida Ilyas, Zirwa Afzal, Asma Akram.
Comparative Effects of Hold Relax with Agonist Contraction and Active Release Therapy on Pain, Functional Disability, and Sleep Quality in Piriformis Syndrome.
Superior J Physical Therap Rehab Nov ;4:22-6.

Background: Piriformis syndrome is characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling from the hip down to the leg. It develops from a variety of contributing factors. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of active release therapy (ART) and hold relax with agonist contraction (HRAC) on pain, functional disability, and sleep quality in patients with piriformis syndrome. Material and Methods: This study was conducted from March 2022 to November 2022. A total of 82 participants of both genders, 25 to 55 years of age, diagnosed with piriformis syndrome were involved in the study. Those with a history of fracture of the pelvis or hip, disc disease, or postural deformity were excluded. Participants were assigned into two groups; HRAC and ART with routine physical therapy. Outcome measures were pain, functional disability, and sleep quality measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and Chronic Pain Sleep Inventory respectively. Assessment was made at baseline, at the end of 1st and 2nd week. Mann-Whitney Test was used for between-group analysis and Friedman’s ANOVA was computed for within-group differences. Results: Between-groups analysis showed a statistically significant difference in pain score (P ≤ 0.05), but no significant difference was found between both techniques regarding functional disability and sleep quality (P ≥ 0.05). However, the within-group analysis showed statistically significant results in all outcome measures (P<0.05). Conclusion: ART was more effective in decreasing pain. Whereas, both techniques had equal effects in enhancing sleep quality and reducing functional disability among patients with piriformis syndrome.

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