Prevelance of Piriformis Syndrome among female Physiotherapy students of Gujranwala, Pakistan, A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that is caused when piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. Its prevalence is very high in sedentary population and young people have more risk factors of getting affected with piriformis tightness that causes piriformis syndrome and later on lower back pain. Its etiology can be primary or secondary. Primary will be anatomical variation and secondary will be due to any other causes (trauma or local ischemia). It is more common in females with ratio of 3 to 1. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of piriformis syndrome among the female physical therapy students of Gujranwala. Material and methods:It was a cross-sectional study conducted in physical therapy female students of different physiotherapy institutes of Gujranwala. Data was collected from 195 students with Convenient sampling technique. The Diagnostic tool used was Piriformis syndrome diagnostic criteria. Results: Out of 195 female physical therapy students 72 (36.9%) had a high score and had a high probability of having piriformis syndrome. Only (4) 2.1% were unlikely of having piriformis syndrome while in majority of the participants 119 (61%) piriformis syndrome was not considered. Conclusion: This study concludes that female physical therapy students of Gujranwala have a low to moderate probability of having piriformis syndrome, with increased probability of buttock pain associated with prolonged sitting.