Comparison of Three Different Myofascial Trigger Point Treatments in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

51 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-12-15

Study Completion Date

2025-12-15

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ischaemic compression (IC), positional relaxation (Strain Counterstrain \[SCS\]), and integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT) applications on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, range of motion, joint position sense, disability, kinesiophobia, quality of life and patient satisfaction in addition to conventional treatment for chronic non-specific neck pain.

It is planned to include 51 patients in the study. The included patients will be divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (HR Group), Group 2 (SCS Group) and Group 3 (INIT Group). All three groups will receive a conventional physiotherapy programme 5 times a week for 4 weeks and the same exercise programme 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

Related Clinical Trials

Explore similar clinical trials based on study characteristics and research focus.

Comparison of Vibration and Dry Needle in Trigger Point Therapy

NCT04900857

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

COMPLETED NA

Short-Term Effects of Ischemic Compression Applied in Addition to Classical Massage in the Treatment of Trigger Points

NCT06530329

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

COMPLETED NA

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound For Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

NCT05288933

Myofascial Pain Syndrome of Neck

COMPLETED NA

High Intensity Laser Versus Ischemic Compression on Myofascial Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius

NCT06552780

Neck Pain

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING NA

Dry Needling & Trigger Point Compression Release in Neck Pain

NCT05870904

Neck Pain Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial Neck Muscle Issue +2 more

COMPLETED NA

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Chronic neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in the general population and is the second most common type of pain after low back pain worldwide. Electrophysiological agents, therapeutic exercise and trigger point therapy techniques are frequently used in chronic non-specific neck pain. There is insufficient evidence in the current literature regarding which trigger point therapy technique is more effective. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ischaemic compression (IC), positional relaxation (Strain Counterstrain \[SCS\]), and integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT) on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, range of motion, joint position sense, disability, kinesiophobia, quality of life and patient satisfaction in addition to conventional treatment for chronic non-specific neck pain. The study was planned to include 51 patients between the ages of 18-65 years who applied to Gebze Medicalpark Hospital and met the inclusion criteria. The included patients will be randomised and divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (HR Group), Group 2 (SCS Group) and Group 3 (INIT Group). All three groups will receive a conventional physiotherapy programme (TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack) 5 times a week for 4 weeks and the same exercise programme 3 days a week for 4 weeks. In addition to conventional treatment, Group 1 will receive HR for upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitus and lower trapezius muscles, Group 2 will receive SCS for upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitus and lower trapezius muscles and Group 3 will receive INIT for upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitus and lower trapezius muscles 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions in total). As evaluation criteria, visual analogue scale will be used to evaluate the intensity of pain felt at rest, activity and at night, and algometer will be used to objectively measure pain threshold and tolerance. Cervical range of motion and joint position sense will be assessed using CROM III-Cervical Range of Motion device. Disability level will be assessed using the Neck Disability Scale, fear of movement using the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, quality of life using the Short Form-12, and Global Change Scale to assess patient satisfaction. Assessments will be made before starting the treatment programme and after the completion of the 4-week treatment programme.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Ischaemic Compression Group

Ischaemic compression Manual therapy

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Conventional Therapy

Intervention Type OTHER

All three groups will receive a conventional physiotherapy program (TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack) 5 times a week for 4 weeks and the same exercise program 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

Ischemic Compression Group

Intervention Type OTHER

The ischemic compression group will receive ischemic compression therapy for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and lower trapezius muscles.

Strain Counterstrain Group

Strain Counterstrain Manual therapy

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Conventional Therapy

Intervention Type OTHER

All three groups will receive a conventional physiotherapy program (TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack) 5 times a week for 4 weeks and the same exercise program 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

Strain-Counter Strain

Intervention Type OTHER

The strain counterstrain technique will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and lower trapezius muscles.

Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Group

Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Manual therapy

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Conventional Therapy

Intervention Type OTHER

All three groups will receive a conventional physiotherapy program (TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack) 5 times a week for 4 weeks and the same exercise program 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT)

Intervention Type OTHER

This group will be subjected to INIT for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and lower trapezius muscles, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions in total).

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

Conventional Therapy

All three groups will receive a conventional physiotherapy program (TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack) 5 times a week for 4 weeks and the same exercise program 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

Intervention Type OTHER

Ischemic Compression Group

The ischemic compression group will receive ischemic compression therapy for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and lower trapezius muscles.

Intervention Type OTHER

Strain-Counter Strain

The strain counterstrain technique will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and lower trapezius muscles.

Intervention Type OTHER

Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT)

This group will be subjected to INIT for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and lower trapezius muscles, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions in total).

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

* The patient is between 18 and 65 years of age,
* The patient presents to the outpatient clinic with a complaint of neck pain that has been persisting for at least 3 months,
* Pain intensity higher than 3.5/10 cm according to the Visual Analogue Scale,
* Active trigger point in at least one of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitus, lower trapezius muscles that may cause neck pain,
* Neck Disability Index total score higher than 15,

Exclusion Criteria

* Has had a neck, spine or shoulder injury within the last 6 months,
* The patient has neck pain caused by inflammatory, hormonal, neurological disorders or after trauma,
* Positive radicular findings compatible with nerve root compression, history of spinal fracture, spinal tumours and related malignancies, congenital spinal anomalies,
* History of neck, upper thoracic spine and shoulder surgery,
* Scoliosis surgery or a health problem that causes limitation in spinal mobility,
* Diagnosed with any malignant condition, systemic, neurological or rheumatological disease,
* Having a skin disease or hearing-vision problem that may affect the assessment process,
* Uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, meniere's disease and vertigo,
* Physiotherapy sessions for neck pain in the last month,
* Pregnancy,

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

65 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No