Immediate effect of hip exercises-inducing motor unit recruitment on static and dynamic postural balance in patients with piriformis muscle syndrome.

Introduction: A single session of exercises-inducing motor unit recruitment has been reported to immediately improve static and dynamic postural balance in different populations. It remains unclear whether such an effect occurs in patients with piriformis muscle syndrome (PMS). Thus, this study aimed to explore the immediate effect of hip exercises-inducing motor unit recruitment on postural balance in these patients.

Methods: In this pre-post-repeated measure study design, twelve patients with PMS were enrolled. These patients participated in a single session of hip exercises-inducing motor unit recruitment, consisting of two exercises, bilateral bridging to target hip extensors and side lying clams to target hip abductors and external rotators. Static (stabilometric platform) and dynamic (timed up and go test (TUGT) and Functional reach test (FRT)) postural balance, and pain were evaluated before and immediately after the intervention protocol.

Results: Patients with PMS had significant (p < 0.001) lower centre of pressure velocity and symmetry index values during the unipedal posture (eyes closed) in post-compared to pre-session. However, no significant effects of hip exercises-inducing motor unit recruitment were found on static bipedal and dynamic postural balance or pain in these patients.

Conclusion: A single session of hip exercises-inducing motor unit recruitment immediately improved static postural balance (unipedal posture with eyes closed) in patients with PMS. Given that this protocol is simple and easy to implement, it is recommended that patients with PMS consider incorporating these exercises into their daily physical activity.