Trigger Point Pain
Conditions
Brief summary
the authors of this work will conduct a randomized controlled trial intended to examine different amplitude-modulated frequencies of interferential current on different measures related to chronic trigger points located in the upper trapezius muscle.
Detailed description
this randomized controlled trial was designed to fill a gap in the literature regarding the most effective amplitude-modulated frequency of interferential current on pain pressure threshold, cervical ROM, and function of the neck region. this study will be consisted of 4 groups, all groups will receive standard manual treatment commonly used for the treatment of chronic trigger points. this treatment will be conducted 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The standard treatment will consist of an intermittent neuromuscular inhibition technique. the 3 experimental groups will receive interferential current sessions (3/week) for 4 weeks with the same parameters except for the amplitude-modulated frequency. outcome measurements will be assessed at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 4 weeks of the end of the treatment (follow-up).
Interventions
this intervention is a type of therapeutic electrical currents of medium frequency used commonly in physical therapy to relieve acute and chronic pain as well as stimulate muscle contraction.
Sponsors
University of Hail
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Participants will be allocated to groups by a researcher not involved in assessment or treatment (AAI). Permuted blocks generated using http://www.randomization.com/ were used for the allocation to assure equal and random allocation. Randomization codes were kept confidential in sealed opaque envelopes and sequentially numbered to ensure concealed allocation.
Intervention model description
4 arms will receive treatment for 4 weeks
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
17 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* males or females, * 17 - 50 years of age, * unilateral pain in the cervical, neck, and upper shoulder, pain persists for 3 months or more, * pain should be not less than 2 on the visual analog scale (VAS), * having positive signs of chronic (latent) trigger point(s) in the upper trapezius muscle
Exclusion criteria
* cervical and or shoulder pathologies such as disc lesions, arthritis, or compression problems. * neurological symptoms in the upper limb such as radiculopathy. * previous cervical, thoracic, or shoulder surgery. * regular sports practice. * heavy work-related activities. * trauma to the cervical spine (whiplash injury). * osteoporosis. * complex regional pain syndrome. * thoracic outlet syndrome * regular analgesic drugs.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Active Range of motion (AROM) for cervical spine. | at baseline | Active range of motion (AROM) of neck side flexion (ipsilateral and contralateral) will be measured using a valid and reliable inclinometer application for Android phone. Measurements will be collected while the participant seated on a chair with back support. The phone will be placed horizontally on the back of the head while the participants assume neutral head position. The participant will be instructed to keep the shoulder rested and move the head to one side till the end of the available range. The procedure will be repeated 3 times and the average value will be used for analysis. |
| Pain pressure threshold by pressure algometer | at baseline | The assessor will assess the pain pressure threshold in Kg/cm2 using a pressure algometer (FDIX25 Digital Force Gauge, Greenwich, CT, USA). The algometer will be placed with its tip perpendicular over the TrP then gradual pressure will be applied. The participants will be asked to report pain once they feel it. Measurements will be repeated twice with 30-s rest intervals in-between trials. The mean value will be used for analysis. the more improvement the higher value of pain pressure can be tolerated before pain sensation percieved |
| Function using neck disability index | at baseline | The participant's functional status will be assessed by a validated Arabic version of the neck disability index (NDI). The NDI is a 10-item questionnaire scored from 0-50 points (0-100%) in which higher scores indicate higher levels of disability. The cutoff points are: score of 5-14 points (10- 28%) indicates mild disability, 15-24 points (30-48%) indicates moderate disability, 25-38 points (50-68%) indicates severe disability, and above 34 points (68%) for complete disability |
| number of painful episode in the trapezius muscle | at baseline | This outcome will be simply assessed by asking the participant try to accurately determine the number of pain attacks in the affected muscle during the last/ previous 4 weeks. the participant will report the number of painful episodes during the last 4 weeks before engaging in the study, then at the 4 months of the treatment program, then at 4 weeks of the end of the treatment program |
Countries
Saudi Arabia
Outcome results
None listed