NCT07307014

Acute Effects of Percussion Massage in Nonspecific Neck Pain

Quick Relief or Real Response? Acute Effects of Percussion Massage Versus Sham Treatment in Individuals With Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Bezmialem Vakif University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the acute effects of percussion massage therapy compared with a sham intervention on cervical range of motion and pressure pain threshold in individuals with nonspecific neck pain.

Detailed description

Nonspecific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with reduced cervical mobility and increased pain sensitivity. Percussion massage therapy has gained popularity as a therapeutic modality; however, evidence regarding its true physiological effects remains limited. This single-blind randomized controlled trial investigated the immediate effects of percussion massage therapy compared with a sham intervention in individuals with nonspecific neck pain. Participants were randomly allocated to either a percussion massage therapy group or a sham percussion therapy group. Cervical range of motion and pressure pain threshold were assessed before and immediately after the intervention.

Conditions

• Neck Pain Musculoskeletal

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Percussion Massage Therapy	Percussion massage therapy is applied using a handheld percussive massage device. The intervention is performed with the participant in a seated position and targets the bilateral upper trapezius muscles for a total duration of 6 minutes. A circular massage head is used to deliver percussive stimulation along the muscle for 2 minutes on each side, followed by focused stimulation at two trigger points using a bullet head attachment for 30 seconds per point at a frequency of 30 Hz.
DEVICE	Sham Percussion Therapy	The same percussive massage device is activated to produce comparable sound and vibration cues but is held at a fixed distance from the skin without physical contact. The duration of the procedure and therapist-participant interaction are matched to the experimental intervention to maintain participant blinding.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-05-01
• Primary completion: 2024-09-12
• Completion: 2024-09-20
• First posted: 2025-12-29
• Last updated: 2025-12-29

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)