Abstract

Background: Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS) is a common overuse injury among runners and athletes, often presenting with lateral knee pain and reduced functional performance. While therapeutic ultrasound is widely used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, adjunctive strategies such as foam rolling and targeted muscle strengthening may enhance outcomes. This study compares the effectiveness of ultrasound combined with foam rolling versus ltrasound combined with adductor strengthening exercises in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with ITBFS. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 participants diagnosed with ITBFS. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A rece ived ultrasound therapy followed by foam rolling of the iliotibial band,while Group B received ultrasound therapy followed by adductor strengthening exercises. Both interventions were administered three times per week for four weeks. Outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) o assess functional improvement. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain reduction and functional scores post-intervention (p < 0.05). However, Group B (ultrasound + adductor strengthening) showed a greater reduction in VAS scores and a higher increase in LEFS scores compared to Group A. Conclusion: Ultrasound therapy combined with adductor strengthening exercises is more effective than ultrasound combined with foam rolling in managing pain and improving functional activity in individuals with ITBFS. This supports the role of targeted muscle strengthening in the conservative management of ITBFS.

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