Effect of Passive Stretching v/s Myofascial Release in Improving Piriformis Flexibility in Females-A Comparative Study

Comparative Study Design.

Piriformis, a key internal rotator of the hip which develops muscular imbalance due to overuse and pressure. The eccentric contraction lead to loading of the piriformis muscle when the hip is excessively abducted and internally rotated causing over lengthening and compression on the muscle, which in turn causes several disabling conditions like low back pain, sciatica and much more.

Hence, the present study was conducted to see the prevalence of Piriformis tightness in young adult females, to compare the effects between two definitive forms of treatments which are passive stretching (STR) and myofascial release (MFR) on improving the flexibility of Piriformis muscles.

In this study, 30 individuals were assessed for tightness and then recruited on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Individuals were sorted into two groups A and B. Pre and post assessment was taken by Range of Motion.

Significant improvement in flexibility of Piriformis muscle was found post intervention compared to pre-intervention in both the groups (p<0.001). However greater improvement in flexibility was seen in group B (Myofascial Therapy) when compared to group A (passive stretching).

The effect of Myofascial release on piriformis flexibility is a more effective than passive stretching.