Effectiveness of thera-band exercise program and electro- physiotherapy on abductor strength of the iliotibial band in athletes with iliotibial band syndrome

Objectives: The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick fascial band formed near the hip by merging the fascia of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and tensor fasciae latae muscles. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury, manifests as pain on the outer side of the knee and hip due to ITB friction with the femur. Athletes may experience reduced hip and knee mobility, potentially impacting performance. This study aims to compare the efficacy of two ITBS treatments: Thera-Band Exercise Program (TBEP) as the experimental group and Electro-Physiotherapy (EPT) as the control group.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial carried out at the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, with thirty athletes in each group. The control group received EPT, and medications, for two weeks, the experimental group received TBEP and medications for the same duration. Abductor Muscle strength assessment was conducted on Day 01 and Day 28 using handheld dynamometer (HHD)
Results: The mean ages in the control and experimental groups were 24.33±6.40 years and 24.97±6.87 years, respectively. Muscle strength (N) for the control group on Day 1 and Day 28 were 99.77± 24.81 and 108.83±22.36, respectively. In the experimental group, the corresponding values were 102.50±26.71 and 147.00±29.92, respectively. The mean differences for muscle strength of two groups in D1 and D28 were 2.733(P>0.683) and 38.167(P<0.001) (RM-ANOVA). TBEP had a statistically significant effect (p=0.000), and it explained 16.8% of the variance in muscle strength. The Partial Eta Squared was 0.168.
Conclusions: The Thera band program works better in improving abductor muscle strength of the athletes with ITBS compared to electro- physiotherapy.