Short-term effect of muscle energy technique and mechanical diagnosis and therapy in sacroiliac joint dysfunction: A pilot randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is a prominent source of pain in low back pain (LBP) patients. Tenderness inferior to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) is an important sign presented in SIJD. Techniques including muscle energy technique (MET) and mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) have shown benefits in SIJD. However, the effects of these treatments on tenderness and pain around the PSIS are yet to be determined.

Aim: Compare and examine the preliminary short-term effect of MET and MDT on tenderness and pain around the PSIS in SIJD.

Methods: Twenty patients, aged between 20 and 65 years and diagnosed with unilateral, sub-acute, or chronic SIJD, were screened for the inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated to the MET or the MDT group. Both the groups received treatment for four sessions over one week. Pain pressure threshold (PPT) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were determined by a blinded assessor on pre- and post-treatment basis.

Results: Although no significant differences were observed following the treatment between the groups, some statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvements were observed within each of the groups. No drop-outs and no adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that both interventions may be equally effective in reducing symptoms around the PSIS. However, due to the small sample size, the results need to be interpreted cautiously. Future studies on larger sample size and long-term follow up are warranted.