NCT05727462

Effects of Manual Therapy With TECAR in Woman With Chronic Neck Pain

Effects of a Protocol of Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques With or Without TECAR Treatment on Pain, Local Sensitivity, Neck Range of Motion, and Functional Ability in Woman With Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (actual)
• Sponsor: International Hellenic University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 22 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim of our clinical study is to investigate the efficacy of combining a program of manual techniques for treating chronic neck pain with the simultaneous application of TECAR therapy, utilizing two specialized anti-static electrode bracelets. A total of 80 women with upper trapezius trigger points and neck pain persisting for more than 12 weeks will be randomly assigned to two groups. In the first group, combined treatment involving manual techniques and two TECAR anti-static electrode bracelets will be administered, while in the second group, the same protocol will be followed without the electrode bracelets. All participants will receive a total of 15 treatments over five weeks, with a follow-up assessment six months post-treatment. Pain will be measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and pain thresholds at the upper trapezius muscle and suboccipital area will be evaluated with a digital algometer. Additionally, neck range of motion will be assessed with a goniometer, and functional ability will be evaluated using the "Neck Disability Index" questionnaire. Assessments will be conducted before and after the treatment period, with a follow-up assessment six months later. For statistical analysis, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with repeated measures will be applied, with the significance level set at p \< .05.

Detailed description

Background: Chronic neck pain is defined as neck pain lasting more than 12 weeks and is often accompanied by painful trigger points in the neck muscles. The use of manual techniques, such as myofascial release and ischemic compression on painful points in the neck muscles, has been shown to reduce pain and improve functional ability and neck range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain. Aim: The aim of our clinical study is to investigate the efficacy of combining a program of manual techniques for treating chronic neck pain with the simultaneous application of TECAR therapy using two specialized anti-static electrode bracelets. Method: Eighty women with upper trapezius trigger points and neck pain symptoms persisting for more than 12 weeks will be randomly assigned to two groups. The first group will receive a combined treatment of manual techniques with two TECAR anti-static electrode bracelets, while the second group will follow the same protocol without the electrode bracelets. All participants will undergo a total of 15 treatments over five weeks, with a follow-up assessment after six months. Pain will be measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the upper trapezius muscle and suboccipital area will be evaluated with a digital algometer, neck range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using a goniometer, and functional ability will be measured with the "Neck Disability Index" questionnaire. Assessments will be conducted before and after the treatment period, with a follow-up assessment six months later. For statistical analysis, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with repeated measures will be applied, with the significance level set at p \< .05. Expected Results: Modern TECAR devices, through special resistive bracelet electrodes, allow the therapist's hand to function as a mobile electrode. This enables the simultaneous effect of both therapeutic modalities-manual techniques and high-frequency current. Therefore, we expect the combination to be more effective than manual techniques alone in improving the clinical profile of adult women with chronic neck pain.

Conditions

• Neck Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Manual Therapy with TECAR	The following myofascial release techniques will be applied: Myofascial release of the upper trapezius Gross stretch, vertical gross stretch, and focused stretch of the upper trapezius Myofascial release at the cranial base Gross release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle Additionally, the following ischemic compression technique will be applied: Ischemic compression on the upper trapezius muscle Manual therapy manipulations will be administered in combination with a capacitive conventional electrode and two special electrode bracelets that turn the therapist's hands into anti-static electrodes. High-frequency currents will be applied at frequencies of 300 kHz, 500 kHz, and 1 MHz, with a flexible self-adhesive grounding electrode placed on the thoracic spine for reference.
OTHER	Manual Therapy without TECAR	Participants in this group will follow the same manual protocol as the first group, without the application of high-frequency current. Each manual therapy session will begin with a ten-minute preparation involving light massage and stretching. The massage will include the effleurage technique, followed by petrissage and kneading, focusing on the cervical and thoracic areas, particularly the upper trapezius, suboccipital region, and cervical paraspinal muscles. Stretching will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid muscles.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-01-15
• Primary completion: 2024-03-01
• Completion: 2024-03-01
• First posted: 2023-02-14
• Last updated: 2024-11-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Greece