Effects of Multi-modal Physiotherapy, Including Hip Abductor Strengthening, in Patients with Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to quantitatively examine hip abductor strength in patients presenting with iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) and to determine whether a multi-modal physiotherapy approach, including hip abductor strengthening, might play a role in recovery.

Method: Our observational, pretest-posttest study is one of the first prospective studies in this area. Patients presenting to physiotherapy with unilateral ITBFS were recruited to participate. Participants followed a 6-week rehabilitation programme designed to strengthen hip abductors; strength was measured every 2 weeks using a hand-held dynamometer and compared bilaterally.

Results: Sixteen subjects (five men, 11 women) aged 20 to 53 years participated. All but 2 reported running as one of their main physical activities. A trend toward a significant difference in hip abductor strength was found between the injured and uninjured sides at baseline, but this difference disappeared by 6 weeks. Hip abductor strength was significantly related to physical function at weeks 2, 4, and 6. Nine subjects were discharged from physiotherapy after the 6-week period, while the other 7 subjects continued attending for up to 5 months.

Conclusions: Hip abductor strengthening appeared to be beneficial in the treatment of ITBFS, but further research on the use of hip abductor strengthening for treatment and prevention of ITBFS is needed.

Keywords: Physical Therapy; Physiotherapy; hip abduction; iliotibial band; injury; rehabilitation; strength.

Figures

Figure 1

Side-lying hip abduction exercise (a) without theraband for first 3 weeks; (b) with theraband for last 3 weeks.

Figure 2

Standing pelvic stabilization exercise.

Figure 3

Forward-backward lunges.

Figure 4

Standing iliotibial band stretch (for left side).

Figure 5

Side-lying “pretzel” stretch (for right side).