Association of Iliotibial Band Tightness with Lumbopelvic Pain and Hip Joint Outcome

Abstract

Background: Literature has illustrated many factors responsible for iliotibial band tightness affecting mostly athletes and professionals. Shortening of the iliotibial band influences scope of movement of the knee, restricting internal rotation. Hip and pelvis biomechanics can be changed due to the reduction in internal rotation at foot strike. This study was concentrated on iliotibial band tightness along with its association with low back pain and hip joint outcome. Objective: The study was conducted to determine the frequency of Iliotibial (IT) band tightness and its association with low back pain and hip joint flexibility. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey study was carried out among 257 undergraduate students, aged 18 to 25 years. The respondents were chosen by non-probability convenient sampling technique. Ober test was used to check relationship between Iliotibial band tightness and low back pain. Active straight leg raise (SLR) test was used to assess low back pain, compression test for Sacroiliac (SI) joint. Whereas, glides and Faber test were performed to check hip joint flexibility. Ranges of hip joint were measured through Goniometer. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.4 ± 1.84 years. The statistically significant correlation was found between iliotibial band tightness with lower back pain, sacroiliac joint and hip joint pain with p-value <0.001. Correlation of Ober test with active range of motions of hip including adduction, abduction, extension, flexion abduction, external rotation and internal rotation were significant with the p-value <0.05. Conclusion: Our study concluded that a significant relationship exists between iliotibial band tightness and low back pain. Students may prone to develop lumbopelvic pain due to muscular stretch. Keywords: Iliotibial Band, Lumbopelvic Pain, Low Back Pain, Sacroiliac Joint, Hip Joint

Keywords

• iliotibial band, lumbopelvic pain, low back pain, sacroiliac joint, hip joint.