The aim of this research is to compare the effects of core stability exercises and hip strengthening exercises on pain, posture, balance, proprioception, and functional status in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Benazir Bhutto Hospital. The sample size will be 22 participants. The subjects will be divided into two groups, 11 subjects in the core stability exercise group and 11 subjects in the hip strengthening exercise group. The study duration will be 6 months. The sampling technique applied will be non-probability purposive sampling. Only 25-55 years individuals with unilateral sacroiliac joint dysfunction for more than 3 months and NPRS score ≥5 will be included. Tools used in the study are Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Pelvic Inclinometer, Flexicurve Ruler, Gait and Balance App, and Joint Repositioning Error test. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 25.
Patients aged 25-55 years diagnosed with unilateral sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Patients having pain in the sacroiliac region for more than 3 months.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score ≥ 5.
Patients with positive sacroiliac joint provocation tests (such as FABER test, compression test, distraction test, thigh thrust test, or sacral thrust test).
History of lumbar spine surgery or pelvic surgery.
Lumbar disc herniation or severe spinal pathology.
Inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Neurological disorders affecting balance or proprioception.
Parallel
Core Stabilization
Other interventionEach session will begin with hot pack application over the sacroiliac region for 10 minutes followed by the exercise protocol and cool-down stretching. Treatment will be provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40-45 minutes.
Hip Strengthening Exercises
Other interventionExercises will be performed with resistance at approximately 75-80% repetition maximum for 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions. Each session will start with 10 minutes of hot pack application over the sacroiliac region followed by strengthening exercises and cool-down stretching including hamstring and piriformis stretches. Treatment will be provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40-45 minutes.
Balance (Gait and Balance App)
Changes from baseline balance will be assessed using the Gait and Balance App, which evaluates postural stability and balance performance during functional activities in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This tool helps identify balance impairments related to lumbopelvic instability.
Proprioception (Joint Repositioning Error Test)
Changes from baseline proprioception will be measured using the Joint Repositioning Error Test, which evaluates the ability of patients to accurately reposition the lumbopelvic region. It helps assess sensorimotor control deficits associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Posture Assessment (Flexicurve Ruler)
Changes from baseline posture will be assessed using the Flexicurve ruler to measure lumbar curvature and spinal alignment associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Changes from baseline Numeric Pain Rating Scale will be used to assess pain intensity. The scale ranges from 0-10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst possible pain.
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Changes from baseline Oswestry Disability Index will be used to measure functional disability in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The ODI consists of 10 sections assessing limitations in daily activities. Higher scores indicate greater disability.
Pelvic Alignment (Pelvic Inclinometer)
Changes from baseline pelvic alignment will be measured using a pelvic inclinometer to assess pelvic tilt and asymmetry related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
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