Comparative Effects of Autogenic Inhibition vs Reciprocal Inhibition in Patients With Lower Cross Syndrome

Description

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Autogenic Inhibition Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Reciprocal Inhibition MET in individuals with Lower Crossed Syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to two intervention groups. One group will receive Autogenic Inhibition MET, while the other will receive Reciprocal Inhibition MET for the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, and erector spinae muscles. Both groups will also perform the same standardized strengthening exercises targeting the transversus abdominis, gluteus maximus, and gluteus medius muscles to improve muscle balance and functional outcomes.

Interventions

• Autogenic Inhibition (Group A) (Procedure)
  Experimental Group 1 will receive MET based on autogenic inhibition using Modified Post-Facilitation Stretch (PFS) for the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, and erector spinae. For the iliopsoas, subjects will assume modified Thomas position and perform a 30% isometric contraction for 7-10 seconds, followed by relaxation and hip extension stretching for 30 seconds. For rectus femoris, the procedure will be performed in modified Thomas position with knee flexion, followed by hip extension and knee flexion stretching for 30 seconds. For erector spinae, subjects will sit with legs hanging and arms crossed, perform a 30% isometric contraction for 7-10 seconds, followed by trunk flexion for 30 seconds. Each technique will include 30-second rest and 3-5 repetitions. From the 3rd to 6th week, strengthening will include TA activation, gluteus maximus bridging, and gluteus medius abduction.
• Reciprocal Inhibition (Procedure)
  Experimental Group 2 will receive MET based on reciprocal inhibition for the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, and erector spinae. For the iliopsoas, subjects will assume modified Thomas position and perform a 30% isometric contraction of the gluteus maximus for 7-10 seconds, followed by relaxation and passive hip extension stretching for 30-60 seconds. For rectus femoris, subjects will assume modified Thomas position followed by a 30% isometric hamstring contraction for 7-10 seconds and passive stretching into hip extension with knee flexion for 30-60 seconds. For Erector Spinae, subjects will sit with legs hanging and perform a 30% isometric transverse abdominis contraction for 7-10 seconds, followed by trunk flexion for 30-60 seconds. From the 3rd to 6th week, strengthening will include TA activation, gluteus maximus bridging, and gluteus medius abduction.

Eligibility criteria

Conditions

Locations

• Foundation University College of Physical Therapy — Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan