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Evaluation of Treatment Factors in the Management of Chronic Iliotibial Band Syndrome in Female Distance Runners

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Interventions
Other: Gluteus medius strengthening
Other: iliotibial band stretches
Registration Number
NCT02296151
Lead Sponsor
University of British Columbia
Brief Summary

The primary objective of this study is to determine if a more specific exercise routine that incorporates a progressive hip stability program will help to rehabilitate the hip and reduce symptoms of iliotibial band syndrome more than conventional hip exercises. Three different exercises interventions will be compared to determine its effectiveness in reducing pain, improving function and returning subjects to running symptom free. Secondary objective for this study is to establish an intervention program for female runners with this injury. There will be three treatment arms and participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group A- control (stretching), group B (conventional hip exercises and group C (experimental treatment- specific progressive hip exercises).

Detailed Description

The gluteus medius muscle is part of a muscle group called the hip abductor muscles. The gluteus medius originates at the dorsal ilium (uppermost, largest bone of the pelvis) below the iliac crest and inserts at the top outside surfaces of the greater trochanter (top of the thigh bone). It is the major abductor of the thigh (moves the leg away from the midline of the body). The anterior fibres rotate the hip internally and the posterior fibres rotate the hip externally. Based on the anatomy and function of this muscle, the gluteus medius plays a major role in the mechanics of running. Research has shown that runners with iliotibial band syndrome have been shown to have weakness in this muscle. Most conventional exercises that have been research have been exercises that focus on only activation of this muscle in an unloaded position (non-weightbearing). Group B of this study will focus on those exercises that have been researched. Group C will be the experimental group in which we will begin with the conventional exercises and progress the exercises from a floor (unloaded) position to a more dynamic functional position (standing). This will be geared towards running specific exercises. We would like to know if there will be a difference in how fast symptoms reduce and strength gains occur and at what rate.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
24
Inclusion Criteria
  1. Female between the ages of 19-45 years;
  2. Have been diagnosed or been affected by ITBS (pain on the outside of the knee) for no less than 3 months;
  3. A distance runner averaging a minimum of 15 Km per week of road running;
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Exclusion Criteria
  1. Have previous history of knee surgery or knee trauma to the affected side;
  2. Have been diagnosed with any other knee pathology such as patellofemoral pain syndrome, degenerative joint disease, chondromalacia patella, tendinitis or tendinopathy in the affected knee;
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
FACTORIAL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Group CGluteus medius strengtheningFour conventional hip exercises progressed during the 8-weeks, totalling 16 exercises over the 8-week period (Hip abductor, gluteus medius strengthening). Exercises to be completed 3 days per week.
Group BGluteus medius strengtheningFour conventional hip exercises (Hip abductor, gluteus medius strengthening); to be completed 3 days per week.
Group Ailiotibial band stretchesFour iliotibial band stretches; to be completed 3 days per week.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Hip dynamometer strength8-weeks

Hip dynamometer strengthening will be measured biweekly for the 8-week period

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Y-balance testMeasured pre and post 8-week study

The Y-balance test kit is designed to measure quality of movement and function in three different movement planes.

Single leg mini squatMeasured pre and post 8-week study

The single leg mini squat will be used to assess quality of movement.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Optimal Performance Clinic

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Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

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