Effects of Autogenic Inhibition and Reciprocal Inhibition in Amateur Football Players With Shin Splints.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Autogenic Inhibition and Reciprocal Inhibition in treating shin splints among amateur footballers aged 18-30 from SA Gardens Football Club, Lahore. Participants will be recruited through non-probability convenient sampling and randomly assigned into two groups using random number sampling. A single-blind approach will be employed, with one group receiving Autogenic Inhibition treatment and the other receiving Reciprocal Inhibition treatment over a period of four weeks, with three sessions per week. The study will measure outcomes including pain alleviation, improvement in range of motion (ROM), enhanced function, and improved sports performance. This research seeks to provide insights into the benefits of muscle energy techniques for athletes with shin splints, contributing valuable knowledge to sports medicine and rehabilitation practices.

Recent literature provides substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of muscle energy techniques (METs), including Autogenic Inhibition, for various musculoskeletal conditions across different populations. Robert F. et al. (2023) conducted a quasi-experimental study using a pre- and post-test design to compare Kalternborn grade III mobilization and METs in 30 patients, finding significant improvements in pain and neck function. Siddiqui M. et al. (2022) demonstrated in a randomized control trial that Autogenic Inhibition was more effective than Reciprocal Inhibition in improving pain, range of motion, and functional disability in patients with mechanical neck pain. Similarly, Osama M. et al. (2022) found Autogenic Inhibition to be the most effective among static stretching, AI-MET, and RI-MET for enhancing isometric muscle strength in neck pain patients. Majeed A. et al. (2021) showed that Autogenic Inhibition had better outcomes than static stretching for hamstring flexibility. Khaled H. Yousef et al. revealed that adding METs to conventional therapy significantly improved pain, impairment, and hip range of motion in patients with chronic discogenic sciatica. A systemic review by Thomas E. et al. (2019) confirmed METs' effectiveness in reducing chronic and acute pain and improving range of motion. Despite these positive findings, there is limited research on METs for sports-related conditions like shin splints. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the specific benefits and drawbacks of a structured MET program for shin splints in a sports environment, providing valuable insights for athletes in managing and preventing overuse and bone stress injuries efficiently.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Both genders.
2. Age 18-30 years.
3. Those who are actively taking part in sports from last 1 year.
4. Subjects who have NPRS scores from moderate pain (NPRS 4-6) to severe pain (NPRS 7- 10).
5. Subjects diagnosed with category 2 Shin splints through Shin splint scoring system (Male 2- 14, Female 6-16) and category 3 (Male 14-29, Female 17-29).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of Central or peripheral vascular disease.
2. History of lower limb fracture / Trauma (Any side) in last 6 months.
3. History of lower limb Surgery (Any side) in last 6 months.
4. History of any malignancy.
5. Leg length discrepancy.
6. Biomechanical imbalances.