Skip to content

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound For Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound In Management Of Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points: Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05288933
Enrollment
60
Registered
2022-03-21
Start date
2022-03-09
Completion date
2022-06-12
Last updated
2023-01-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndrome of Neck

Brief summary

the purpose of this trial is to compare the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and high power pain threshold ultrasound on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold (PPT), neck range of motion, and neck function in participants with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points.

Detailed description

Myofascial trigger points (MTPs) are hyperirritable, palpable nodules that form along with taut bands of muscle fibers. The trapezius is the muscle that is most commonly affected. MTPs can have a considerable impact on a person's daily activities and ability to work. Stretching exercises, ultrasound, massage, kinesiology taping, trigger point release, dry needling, laser, ischemic compression treatment, and high-power pain threshold ultrasound can all be used in a physical therapy program for myofascial pain and trigger points. There were previous studies on the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on upper trapezius myofascial trigger points that have shown positive effects such as reduction in pain level, improved neck function, and range of motion, increased activity level, and increased pressure pain threshold. There have been previous studies on the effect of high-power pain threshold ultrasound on upper trapezius trigger points that have shown a reduction in pain level, increased activity level, and increased pressure pain threshold. However till now, there is no study comparing the therapeutic potential of HPPT US and IASTM on upper trapezius trigger points, This study is conducted to compare the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and high-power pain threshold ultrasound ( HPPT US ) on upper trapezius trigger points. : Sixty participants ranging in age from 25 to 40 years old, from both genders, were diagnosed with active MTPs in the upper fibers of the trapezius muscle bilaterally. Participants were randomly allocated to the following three groups using sealed envelopes. Group (A) 20 participants received conventional physical therapy. Group (B) 20 participants received IASTM and conventional physical therapy. Group (C) 20 participants received HPPT US and conventional physical therapy for two weeks, twice per week.

Interventions

DEVICEInstrument assisted soft tissue mobilization ( IASTM ) and Ultrasound

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a popular treatment for the myofascial limitation that is based on James Cyriax's rationale. High-power pain threshold ultrasound is a noninvasive approach used in myofascial pain syndrome ( MPS) treatment, and it has no serious adverse effects.

Sponsors

Cairo University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

Double

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Having at least 1 active trigger point in bilateral upper trapezius muscles We will use a recommended diagnostic criterion to find active MTrPs which is: The presence of a palpable taut band in the skeletal muscle, The presence of a hypersensitive spot in the taut band, Local twitch response provoked by snapping palpation Production of referred pain pattern in response to the compression of tender spots Spontaneous presence of typically referred pain pattern. * A duration of symptoms of 2-4 weeks. * Age between 25 and 40 years. * Having a normal neurological examination result. * Not having any evidence of infection or inflammation in laboratory tests.

Exclusion criteria

- Existence of cervical disc hernia, advanced cervical osteoarthritis, radiculopathy, or myelopathy. * Having trigger point injection or physical therapy in the last 6 months. * Having a rheumatologic disease, such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondyloarthritis, or hormonal diseases, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or hyperparathyroidism. * Existence of kyphosis, scoliosis, forward head posture, or cervical-genic headache. * History of spine surgery. * Having a cardiovascular problem

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain intensityfour weeksPain intensity will be measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). It consists of a horizontal or vertical line, usually 10 cm long. The extremes of the line are labeled as no pain and worst pain 3-Neck Range of motion : by Cervical ROM 3- Neck function: by Arabic version of the Neck Disability
Pressure pain threshold (PPT)four weeksPressure pain threshold (PPT) will be measured by a Pressure Algometer.
Neck Range of motionfour weeksNeck Range of motion will be measured by Cervical ROM
Neck functionfour weeksNeck function will be measured by the Arabic version of the Neck Disability Index (ANDI). A total score of 0-4 indicated no disability. A score of 5-14 indicated mild disability, a score of 15-24 indicated moderate disability, a score of 25-34 indicated severe disability, and a score of 35 or greater indicated complete disability

Countries

Egypt

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026