The following manual therapy techniques will be applied:

1. Soft Tissue Mobilization;
2. Pretzel Maneuvers;
3. Pelvis Backward-Distraction;
4. Trunk Rotation;
5. Multifidus Mobilization; and
6. Piriformis Transverse Friction Massage

The Kinesio® Taping muscle technique, with 10-25% of the stretch of the tape, will be applied to the sacrospinalis, quadratus lumborum, gluteus medius/maximus and piriformis muscles, based on the the weakness that patient's muscles had. Factors interfering with tape adhesion, such as sweat or hair, will be removed before the application. The tape can stay in place for 3-5 days due to its water resistant and breathable properties

The core stabilization exercise treatment program consisted of the following exercises: a posterior pelvic tilt exercise, lower abdominal muscle isometric strengthening, hip adductor muscle isometric strengthening, lumbar stabilization exercises with a Swiss ball, upper and lower abdominal muscle strengthening exercises with a Swiss ball, oblique abdominal muscle strengthening exercises with a Swiss ball, quadratus lumborum muscle stretching with a Swiss ball, back extensor muscle strengthening exercises with a Swiss ball, a slump exercise (sciatic nerve stretching), lumbar lordosis exercises with a Swiss ball, bridge exercises with a Swiss ball, single leg bridge exercises on a Swiss ball, posture exercises, push-up exercises with a Swiss ball, and squat exercises with a Swiss ball

Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain intensity, goniometric measurements for the range of motion and hamstring flexibility, the sit and reach test for flexibility, an isokinetic evaluation for strength at 60°/sec, and a side-plank position test for trunk stabilization were measured. The functional status was evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index. All groups were assessed at the beginning, after a four-week treatment and four weeks of follow-up.

All patients will be assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity at rest, at night and during activity. VAS is a 100-mm line with no marks along it, anchored with the words "no pain" on one side and "the most severe pain" on the other. The subjects were simply instructed to place a mark along the line at a level representing the intensity of their pain.

Trunk and hip range of motion measurements were taken with a universal goniometer. Active trunk flexion and extension, lateral flexion, and hip flexion and extension will recorded. Hamstring flexibility will be also measured with universal goniometry using the passive 90/90 test. For this test, the patients will be positioned supine, lying on the back, with the knee and hip stabilized at 90° of flexion. The goniometer will be pivoted at the lateral condyle of the femur, and knee extension will be measured in order to determine the loss of the range of motion due to hamstring tightness.

All patients were assessed with isokinetic testing for strength at 60°/sec. Isokinetic testing is commonly used for testing and training of patients in clinics. It calculates the muscle power at the full range of motion, providing the opportunity to act at the angular velocity. An IsoMed 2000 (D&R GmbH, Germany) will be used bilaterally for isokinetic evaluation of hip flexion and abduction at 60°/sec. After proper positioning, the patient will be asked to push the force arm of the system as strongly as possible at this angular velocity in the flexion and abduction directions. The peak torque and total work values will be recorded.

A side-plank position test was used for evaluation of trunk stabilization. The test is one of the most functional stabilization tests and examines trunk strength, endurance and stabilization during synchronized extremity movements. Basically, the lateral core muscles are assessed but oblique abdominal muscles and hip flexors are also examined. Patients are positioned in side lying, with 90° elbow flexion, 60° shoulder abduction, legs extended and whole body aligned. After trial repetition, patients are asked to raise their pelvis off the ground and stay in that position as long as possible without disrupting the smoothness of the motion. The test is finished when the position is disrupted or the patient falls.