Volume 36, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Studies in Medical Sciences 2025, 36(3): 175-185 |
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Ethics code: IR.UMA.REC.1402.051
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Aali S, Rezazade F, Sheykhalizade H, Safajou H, Imani bruoj S. Effects of an Eight-Week Neuromuscular Conditioning Program on Ground-Reaction Kinetics During Gait in Individuals With Piriformis Syndrome. Studies in Medical Sciences 2025; 36 (3) :175-185
URL: http://umj.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-6462-en.html
URL: http://umj.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-6462-en.html
Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran , rezazade.farhad@gmail.com
Abstract: (61 Views)
Abstract
Background:
Piriformis syndrome can lead to excessive internal rotation or adduction of the hip joint, thereby disrupting normal gait cycles. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the effects of neuromuscular exercises on the frequency spectrum of ground reaction forces during walking in individuals with piriformis syndrome.
Methods:
This quasi-experimental study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. Based on calculations using G*Power software, the required sample size for each group was determined to be 15 participants. The study population comprised men aged 35–45 years who were clinically diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. Ground reaction forces were recorded during heel-to-toe walking at a self-selected speed. The time-domain signals were transformed into the frequency domain using MATLAB software. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA in SPSS version 26.
Results:
A significant main effect of time on cumulative signal power up to 99.5% was observed in the medial–lateral (p < 0.001; η² = 0.874), anterior–posterior (p < 0.001; η² = 0.675), and free moment (p < 0.001; η² = 0.601) components of the ground reaction force. A significant group effect was found for the median frequency of the vertical component (p = 0.048; η² = 0.199) and the free moment (p = 0.028; η² = 0.240). Furthermore, a significant time × group interaction effect on cumulative signal power up to 99.5% was identified in the anterior–posterior component (p = 0.010; η² = 0.312).
Conclusion:
Neuromuscular exercises improved the spectral characteristics of ground reaction forces across the vertical, anterior–posterior, medial–lateral, and free moment dimensions in individuals with piriformis syndrome. Increases in median frequency, 99.5% frequency, and bandwidth reflected enhanced signal organization and more efficient neuromuscular control, thereby reducing reliance on compensatory movement strategies.
Background:
Piriformis syndrome can lead to excessive internal rotation or adduction of the hip joint, thereby disrupting normal gait cycles. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the effects of neuromuscular exercises on the frequency spectrum of ground reaction forces during walking in individuals with piriformis syndrome.
Methods:
This quasi-experimental study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. Based on calculations using G*Power software, the required sample size for each group was determined to be 15 participants. The study population comprised men aged 35–45 years who were clinically diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. Ground reaction forces were recorded during heel-to-toe walking at a self-selected speed. The time-domain signals were transformed into the frequency domain using MATLAB software. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA in SPSS version 26.
Results:
A significant main effect of time on cumulative signal power up to 99.5% was observed in the medial–lateral (p < 0.001; η² = 0.874), anterior–posterior (p < 0.001; η² = 0.675), and free moment (p < 0.001; η² = 0.601) components of the ground reaction force. A significant group effect was found for the median frequency of the vertical component (p = 0.048; η² = 0.199) and the free moment (p = 0.028; η² = 0.240). Furthermore, a significant time × group interaction effect on cumulative signal power up to 99.5% was identified in the anterior–posterior component (p = 0.010; η² = 0.312).
Conclusion:
Neuromuscular exercises improved the spectral characteristics of ground reaction forces across the vertical, anterior–posterior, medial–lateral, and free moment dimensions in individuals with piriformis syndrome. Increases in median frequency, 99.5% frequency, and bandwidth reflected enhanced signal organization and more efficient neuromuscular control, thereby reducing reliance on compensatory movement strategies.
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