NCT06814808

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

Comparison of Three Different Myofascial Trigger Point Treatments on Pain, Range of Motion, Joint Position Sense and Quality of Life in Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 51 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Biruni University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

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

• Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	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.
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.
OTHER	Strain-Counter Strain	The strain counterstrain technique will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and lower trapezius muscles.
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).

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-12-15
• Primary completion: 2025-12-15
• Completion: 2025-12-15
• First posted: 2025-02-07
• Last updated: 2025-02-07

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)