Evaluating treatment efficacy for Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A comparison of combined foam rolling and stretching with strengthening exercises versus strengthening alone in athletes.
Aynollah Naderi, Shanaz Azizi
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial compared strengthening alone with strengthening plus foam rolling and stretching in 20 athletes with confirmed iliotibial band syndrome. Participants completed 24 sessions over eight weeks. The integrated programme produced greater improvements in pain, lower-extremity function, iliotibial band flexibility, and overall quality of life. Pain reduction was 79.7% versus 81.0% (p = 0.02), respectively; despite the reported significant difference, the abstract’s percentages show a numerically larger reduction in the strengthening-only group. No significant between-group differences were found in hip abductor strength or physical and psychological quality-of-life components.
Key findings
- Pain reduction was reported as 79.7% with integrated training versus 81.0% with strengthening alone (p = 0.02).
- Lower-extremity function improved by 25.7% versus 21% (p = 0.02), favouring integrated training.
- Iliotibial band flexibility improved by 59.4% versus 1.7% (p = 0.001), favouring integrated training.
- Overall quality of life improved by 19.9% versus 12.6% (p = 0.006); hip abductor strength and physical and psychological quality-of-life components did not differ significantly.
Why it matters
The trial suggests that adding foam rolling and stretching to strengthening may improve several patient-relevant outcomes in athletes with ITBS, particularly flexibility and lower-extremity function. However, the pain percentages conflict with the stated direction of the significant difference, so that result warrants caution. The findings offer preliminary comparative evidence for conservative rehabilitation but are not definitive.
What to keep in mind
The trial included only 20 athletes, and the authors call for larger studies and research in other populations. Outcomes were measured before and after an eight-week intervention; longer-term effects are not reported.