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High Intensity Laser vs Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome

High Intensity Laser vs Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06990932
Enrollment
60
Registered
2025-05-25
Start date
2025-02-01
Completion date
2025-04-01
Last updated
2025-05-25

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

Conditions

High Intensity Laser, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Trapezius Muscle Strain, Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Brief summary

The purpose of the study was to 1. Investigate the effect of high-intensity laser therapy versus Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on pain level in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of upper trapezius muscle. 2. Investigate the effect of High intensity laser therapy versus Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on ROM in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of upper trapezius muscle

Detailed description

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common musculoskeletal pain affecting 30% of patients in primary care. It is characterized by trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle, which is linked to neck and shoulder pain. Non-invasive treatments like exercises, manipulation, and physical agents have been suggested for managing neck pain. Laser therapy, including low-level and high-intensity, has been found effective in reducing pain intensity and improving functional activity. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is another technique used to treat Myofascial pain syndrome. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization stimulates connective tissue remodeling, resorbing excessive fibrosis, and promoting collagen repair and regeneration. The study aims to investigate the effect of high intensity laser therapy versus Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in treating Myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle.

Interventions

The therapeutic dose of laser therapy depends on power density, tissue color, and type. Darker skin may absorb the laser in the epidermal layer, but HILT can pass through without absorption. Research has improved power density and dose, with the World Association of Laser Therapy recommending a 5-7 J/cm2 dose for optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is a popular alternative to traditional manual therapy techniques, derived from Cyriax cross-friction massage. It uses hard tools to manipulate soft tissue, varying in direction, force, and pattern, and allowing pressure to disperse to underlying tissues. Modern Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization instruments vary in material and design, and are used to improve musculoskeletal conditions and outcomes. Patients receive Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization with an M2T blade, positioned at a 45° angle, and instructed to apply an ice pack if experiencing burning sensations.

OTHERConventional treatment

conventional physical therapy, which includes ultrasound, isometric neck exercises, chin tucks, stretching of neck muscles, and neck stabilization exercises, were used for groups A, B and C

Sponsors

Cairo University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. The patient age ranged from 20 to 50 years 2. Presence of myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle 3. Having neck discomfort symptoms that were triggered by certain neck positions and by palpating the cervical musculature for at least three months 4. Patient willing and able to participate in an exercise program safely

Exclusion criteria

1. medical red flag history (such as tumour, fracture, metabolic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis) 2. Neck pain with cervical radiculopathy or neck pain associated with externalized cervical disc herniation. 3. If the patient had previous surgery in the neck area (irrespective of the reason for the operation) 4. Neck pain accompanied by vertigo caused by vertebra basilar insufficiency or accompanied by non-cervicogenic headaches

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Assessment of change of pain intensityAt baseline and after 1 monthThe Visual Analog Scale is a self-reported pain measurement scale with a 10-cm line labeling extreme pain levels. It is valid, reliable, and suitable for clinical practice, especially for individuals over 18. Studies have shown moderate to strong correlations for VAS validity in pain measurement.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Assessment of change of pressure pain thresholdAt baseline and after 1 monthA pressure algometer is a reliable tool for determining local pressure pain threshold (PPT) in different pain syndromes. It is a force gauge calibrated in kg/cm2 and has a range of 0-10 kg/cm2. A manual pressure algometer will be used to measure pain threshold for upper trapezius fibers, with repeated measurements to improve reliability.
Assessment of change of Cervical range of motionAt baseline and after 1 monthThe CROM device is a lightweight, comfortable, and secure device that adjusts to a patient's head, resembling eyeglasses. It features two independent inclinometers, one in the sagittal and one in the frontal plane, and a third in the horizontal plane, indicating head rotation. The device is easy to use, requires minimal palpation, and is affordable compared to more advanced motion analysis systems.
Assessment of impact of neck pain on quality of lifeAt baseline and after 1 monthThe Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ) is a tool measuring neck pain's impact on daily activities and emotional well-being. It covers seven areas and scores 0 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The NBQ is sensitive and validated in English, French, Dutch, and Arabic.

Countries

Egypt

Outcome results

None listed

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