Effectiveness of Foam Rolling with Hip Strengthening versus Conventional Treatment in Iliotibial Band Tightness Among Osteoarthritis Patients

Abstract

Background: The iliotibial band (ITB) tightness contributes to pain and functional limitations in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The effectiveness of foam rolling (FR) combined with ITB stretching exercises versus conventional treatment methods targeting ITB tightness has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these modalities on passive range of motion (PROM) during hip adduction in OA patients. Methods: Three groups of OA patients (Foam Rolling alone-Group A, Conventional Exercises + Foam Rolling-Group B, and Hip strengthening + Foam Rolling-Group C) were assessed over 14 treatment sessions using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and Ober's test for ITB tightness. Group A received foam rolling with hip strengthening, Group B underwent conventional treatment, and Group C was treated with a combination of methods. Results: All groups showed a marked decrease in WOMAC scores, indicating an improvement in pain and knee function. Group A exhibited a significant reduction in ITB tightness, with the mean Ober's test score initially increasing but then decreasing markedly by the 14th session. Group B and Group C also showed improvements, but Group A's protocol was the most effective in reducing ITB tightness. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that foam rolling with hip strengthening exercises is significantly effective in reducing ITB tightness and improving function in OA patients. This combination therapy may be considered a superior approach to conventional treatment methods for managing ITB-related symptoms in this population.