Sacroiliac joint mobilization versus gluteus medius strengthening in sacroiliac joint dysfunction

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of gluteus medius strengthening exercises versus sacroiliac joint mobilization in anterior sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Comparative study. Thirty adult patients with pain, tenderness on posterior superior iliac spine and chronic low back pain from both genders participated in this study, their age was ranging from 25 to 40 years old, their body mass index was ranging from 20 to 25 (kg/m(2)). The thirty patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups with 15 patients each. Both groups were given conventional physiotherapy which included ultrasound and corrective exercises as a baseline treatment. Along with conventional physiotherapy Group A received strengthening exercises for gluteus medius subdivisions while Group B received mobilization techniques. The treatment duration was for 3 weeks. Provocation tests, pelvic tilt angle and pain were measured for evaluation before starting the treatment and then after 3 weeks. There was no significant difference in pain and pelvic tilt between both groups post-treatment (p > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in pain and pelvic tilt angle post treatment in group A and B compared with that pre-treatment (p > 0.001). There was no significant difference in the results of provocation tests between group A and B at pre and post treatment (p > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in the number of patients who had positive provocation tests post-treatment compared with that pre-treatment (p < 0.05) in both groups. Both the gluteus medius strengthening exercises and the sacroiliac joint mobilization techniques were effective in treatment of anterior sacroiliac joint dysfunction.