Effects of Posterior Oblique Sling Strengthening Exercises on Pain & Flexibility Among Runners With

The popularity of recreational running and rate of running related injuries are increasing. Research has shown that iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common knee injuries among runners alongside plantar fasciitis, meniscal injuries, patellar tendinopathy, and patelleofemoral pain (PFP). ITBS is twice as common in female runners as compared to male long distance runners due to biomechanical variations. Literature supports the use of gluteal strengthening and IT band stretching as an effective treatment for iliotibial band syndrome. Posterior oblique sling is activated during running and its weakness is thought to be the predisposing factor of iliotibial band syndrome among long distance runners. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of posterior oblique sling exercises in decreasing lateral knee pain and improving flexibility of iliotibial band among female runner compared to gluteal strengthening and IT band stretching alone.

Data will be collected by using non-probability purposive sampling method. Sample size will be 26. 13 Female runners with average running of 15 kilometers per week and chronic iliotibial band syndrome will be employed in two different study groups A and B randomly. Both groups will get treatment for four weeks four times per week. Control group A will get conventional treatment of hip abductors strengthening and Iliotibial band stretching and Experimental group B will get posterior oblique sling strengthening exercises plus conventional hip abductors strengthening and IT band stretching. Pain and flexibility will be measured before treatment after every week and by the end of the month to note progression. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be used to rate pain and modified Ober's test using digital inclinometer will be used to rate flexibility of iliotibial band. Statistical analysis will be done using SPSS latest version

The purpose of this study is to compare the two different treatment protocols for Iliotibial band syndrome and help create an effective treatment option for long distance runners who suffer lateral knee pain due to IT band tightness.

The study will be Randomized control trial. Non-probability purposive sampling method will be used.Subjective and objective data of all the participants will be taken by using NPRS, Modified Ober's test using Digital inclinometer, Noble's compression test and ITB Questionnaire.

Researcher will take careful history of the participant with proper assessment and examination of the knee.

At baseline, weekly and by the end of 4th week of treatment objective and subjective measurements of participants will be taken using NPRS, Modified Ober's test using Digital inclinometer, Noble's Compression test and ITB Questionnaire.

All the participants will receive equal treatment of 4 weeks. The Data will be analyzed using SPSS for windows software version 25. Statistical significance P=0.05. After assessing the normality of current data by shapiro wilk test. it will be decided whether parametric or non parametric test will be used within the groups or between 2 groups.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female Treadmill runners of age 18 to 35 years.
* Perform running of average 15 running kilometers per week and Experience of burning lateral knee pain after 2nd-3rd kilometer of running
* Localized point tenderness over the femoral condyle about 2-4 cm above joint line on palpation
* Positive Noble's Compression test
* Positive modified Ober's Test

Exclusion Criteria:

* Short distance runners
* People with any other medical condition Including myofacial pain syndrome, early degenerative joint disease, lateral collateral ligament pathology, lateral meniscal injuries, tibiofibular joint sprain, popliteal or biceps femoris tendonitis, or referred pain from lumbar spine. All these conditions will be ruled out with carefully history and examination
* People taking any other form of treatment including corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics
* People with previous history of surgical treatment for ITBS
* People with neurological deficits or systemic illness