Local muscle vibration versus muscle energy technique in sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Background: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is a significant contributor to low back and buttock pain, often challenging to diagnose and treat effectively. Purpose: The aim is to compare the effects of local muscle vibration (LMV) and muscle energy technique (MET) on pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), functional disability, and innominate tilt in SIJD. Methods: Thirty-five patients with SIJD, aged 20-40 years, were randomized into Group A (MET; n=16) and Group B (LMV; n=19). The treatment protocol involved three sessions per week for four weeks. The variables were measured for both groups before and after the rehabilitation and at the follow-up period after 2 weeks. Pain intensity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), PPT was measured with a pressure algometer, self-reported pain and disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire for Low Back Pain (Arabic version), and innominate tilting was evaluated using the Palpation Meter (PALM). Results: Both interventions significantly improved pain intensity, functional disability, and pelvic alignment (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between groups. However, MET demonstrated superior outcomes in pelvic alignment at follow-up, especially in the sagittal plane on the left side compared to the right side (d = 0.69), while LMV showed superior outcomes in PPT and specific alignment measures, especially pelvic alignment in the frontal plane. Conclusion: Both MET and LMV are effective short-term interventions for SIJD, with MET favoring alignment outcomes and LMV demonstrating localized benefits for pain pressure thresholds. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and optimize treatment protocols.