The Effect Of Pilates On Pain And Quality Of Life In Individuals With Piriformis Syndrome A Quasi Experimental Study

Piriformis syndrome is an underdiagnosed source of sciatica like symptoms and deep gluteal discomfort it frequently results in decreased mobility and a reduced quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy interventions typically include stretching and manual therapy but these methods might not be sufficient to address the underlying neuromuscular and biomechanical dysfunctions such as weak hip muscles and poor lumbopelvic control. Although there is little data on its effectiveness in treating piriformis syndrome pilates based exercises that emphasize hip and lumbar dissociation core stability and neuromuscular reeducation have demonstrated advantages in related musculoskeletal disorders.

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study is to assess how a 4 week pilates intervention programme will affect pain and quality of life in people with piriformis syndrome who are 40 to 60 years old.  At Goa Medical College and Hospital thirty volunteers who meet the diagnostic requirements of a positive FAIR, pace and freiberg tests will be chosen using convenience sampling. The intervention will consists of pilates program of posterior hip strengthening exercises hip dissociation and lumbar dissociation exercises which will be given three times a week for four weeks.The Visual Analogue Scale for pain and the RAND SF 36 questionnaire for quality of life will be used to measure the results before and during and after the intervention.

The findings from this study will help determine the effect of pilates exercises which are low cost non invasive culturally appropriate rehabilitation program that could enhance the conservative treatment of piriformis syndrome in Indian population.