NCT06934668

Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Trapezius Muscle Stiffness

Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Trapezius Muscle Stiffness Assessed Using Shear-Wave Elastography

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Primorska · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study will examine whether extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) can reduce stiffness in the upper trapezius muscle. Muscle stiffness will be measured using a special ultrasound technique called shear-wave elastography (SWE), which allows researchers to assess changes in muscle properties. The aim of the study is to better understand if ESWT is effective in improving muscle function and reducing discomfort in this region. Healthy volunteers will be enrolled, and measurements will be taken before and after the ESWT treatment.

Detailed description

This interventional study investigates the acute effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the mechanical properties of the upper trapezius muscle, with a specific focus on muscle stiffness. Stiffness will be quantified using shear-wave elastography (SWE), a non-invasive ultrasound-based imaging modality that allows for real-time assessment of tissue elasticity. Participants will undergo baseline SWE measurements of the upper trapezius muscle, followed by the application of a standardized ESWT protocol. Post-treatment measurements will be conducted immediately after the intervention to evaluate acute changes in stiffness. The primary objective is to determine whether a single session of ESWT induces measurable changes in muscle mechanical properties. This study will contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the physiological effects of ESWT on skeletal muscle tissue and its potential application in clinical and sports settings. Data collected will also support the development of future longitudinal studies assessing the therapeutic relevance of ESWT for myofascial dysfunction and musculoskeletal pain syndromes.

Conditions

• Muscle Stiffness

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy	A single session of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) applied to the upper trapezius muscle (2300 shocks). The treatment is applied to the muscle belly region with coupling gel, without local anesthesia. The protocol is designed to assess the acute effects of ESWT on muscle stiffness measured using shear-wave elastography.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-24
• Primary completion: 2025-05-25
• Completion: 2025-06-10
• First posted: 2025-04-18
• Last updated: 2026-04-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Slovenia