Effect of MET vs Neck Calliet Exercises on Neck Pain and Disability in Nurses

NCT ID: NCT07138807

Last Updated: 2025-09-12

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 38 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-08-15
• Study Completion Date: 2025-09-30

Brief Summary

This study compares the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in managing mechanical neck pain and associated disability due to trapezius trigger points among nurses. A total of 38 female nurses were randomly assigned to two intervention groups, each receiving therapy for four weeks. Pain, cervical range of motion, and disability outcomes were assessed.

Detailed Description

Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly neck pain, are highly prevalent among nurses due to repetitive strain, prolonged standing, and non-ergonomic work postures. One of the major contributors to mechanical neck pain is the presence of active myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle, which limit cervical range of motion (CROM) and increase disability.This single-blinded, randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in reducing mechanical neck pain and disability among nurses with trapezius trigger points. Thirty-eight participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received MET, and Group B performed Neck Calliet Exercises. Both groups also received TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy as a baseline treatment. Each participant received treatment three times per week for four weeks.

Conditions

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

MET Group

Participants received Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Muscle Energy Technique

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Participants in this group received Muscle Energy Techniques targeting the upper trapezius trigger points. Treatment was provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session included post-isometric relaxation techniques with stretching, along with baseline TENS therapy.Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises focusing on cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. Exercises were done under supervision, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. All participants also received baseline TENS therapy.

Calliet Exercise Group

Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Neck Calliet exercise

Intervention Type: OTHER

Neck Calliet exercise

Interventions

Muscle Energy Technique

Participants in this group received Muscle Energy Techniques targeting the upper trapezius trigger points. Treatment was provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session included post-isometric relaxation techniques with stretching, along with baseline TENS therapy.Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises focusing on cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. Exercises were done under supervision, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. All participants also received baseline TENS therapy.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Neck Calliet exercise

Neck Calliet exercise

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Female nurses
• Between 18 and 30 years of age
• Having mechanical neck discomfort that is confined to the cervical or bilateral scapular regions (pain level must be 3-5 VAS)
• There must be at least one trigger point in trapezius muscle
• The participant must be ready to participate No clinical therapy for neck pain must have been performed in the preceding month

Exclusion Criteria

• A recent medical history including surgery on the shoulder or neck
• Signs of myelopathy in the clinic or radiculopathy
• Diagnosed Fibromyalgia syndrome, psychiatric problems
• Pregnancy
• Cervical stenosis, malignancy (cervical, breast cancer)
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Vestibulobasilar artery syndrome
• Whiplash injury
• Diagnosis of migraine
• Diabetes type I, systematic illness of cardio-respiratory system
• Congenital deformities affecting the spine, shoulders, and limbs
• Osteoporosis of cervical spine or cervical myeloma

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 30 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

University of Faisalabad

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Fiza Tariq

Clinical Research Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, HOD Surgery

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

The University of Faisalabad

Locations

The University of Faisalabad

Faisalabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Pakistan

Central Contacts

Fiza Tariq, MSPT

Role: CONTACT

faizant741@gmail.com

+923072933338

Other Identifiers

MET_Calliet_NeckPain_Nurses

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id