NCT07395154

Comparison of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) and Active Release Technique (ART) in Patients With Upper Trapezius Trigger Points

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NEUROMUSCULAR INHIBITION TECHNIQUE AND ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE ON PAIN, RANGE OF MOTION AND FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH UPPER TRAPEZIUS TRIGGER POINTS

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 64 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether two manual therapy techniques-Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) and Active Release Technique (ART)-can reduce pain, improve neck range of motion, and decrease functional disability in adults with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does INIT reduce pain, improve ROM, and reduce functional disability more effectively than ART? Does ART provide similar or different treatment benefits compared to INIT? Researchers will compare INIT with ART to see which technique produces greater improvements in pain, ROM, and functional disability. Participants will: Receive treatment sessions of either INIT or ART. Undergo assessment of pain, cervical range of motion, and functional disability before and after the intervention.

Detailed description

Myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius are a common cause of neck pain, restricted cervical mobility, and functional limitations. Manual therapy techniques are frequently used to deactivate trigger points and improve muscle function, but evidence comparing specific techniques remains limited. This study investigates two commonly used interventions: the Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT), which combines sustained pressure, muscle energy technique, and stretching; and the Active Release Technique (ART), which involves movement-based soft tissue release. Both techniques target trigger point sensitivity and muscle tightness but use different mechanisms. Participants with diagnosed upper trapezius trigger points will be randomly assigned to receive either INIT or ART. Each group will follow a structured treatment protocol over a defined period. Pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability will be measured at baseline and after the intervention using validated outcome tools. The study aims to provide comparative evidence on which technique offers greater clinical effectiveness for reducing pain, improving cervical mobility, and enhancing function in individuals with upper trapezius trigger points. Results may assist clinicians in selecting more effective manual therapy strategies for managing myofascial pain.

Conditions

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Group A	Participants will receive treatment three times per week for 6 weeks. Each session will begin with a moist hot pack for 10 minutes followed by TENS for 15 minutes to relax the muscles and reduce pain. After this preparation, participants will receive 15 minutes of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, including ischemic compression, strain-counterstrain, and muscle energy technique, applied to the identified myofascial trigger points.
OTHER	Group B	Participants will receive treatment three times per week for 6 weeks. Each session will begin with a moist hot pack for 10 minutes and TENS for 15 minutes to prepare the tissues. This will be followed by 15 minutes of Active Release Technique, including repeated active passes, targeted fiber release, and mild stretching, applied to the upper trapezius myofascial trigger points.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-15
• Primary completion: 2026-06-30
• Completion: 2026-06-30
• First posted: 2026-02-09
• Last updated: 2026-02-09