Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
Conditions
Keywords
MET, Neck Calliet Exercise, Cervical ROM, VAS, NDI
Brief summary
This study compares the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in managing mechanical neck pain and associated disability due to trapezius trigger points among nurses. A total of 38 female nurses were randomly assigned to two intervention groups, each receiving therapy for four weeks. Pain, cervical range of motion, and disability outcomes were assessed.
Detailed description
Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly neck pain, are highly prevalent among nurses due to repetitive strain, prolonged standing, and non-ergonomic work postures. One of the major contributors to mechanical neck pain is the presence of active myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle, which limit cervical range of motion (CROM) and increase disability.This single-blinded, randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in reducing mechanical neck pain and disability among nurses with trapezius trigger points. Thirty-eight participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received MET, and Group B performed Neck Calliet Exercises. Both groups also received TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy as a baseline treatment. Each participant received treatment three times per week for four weeks.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALMuscle Energy Technique
Participants in this group received Muscle Energy Techniques targeting the upper trapezius trigger points. Treatment was provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session included post-isometric relaxation techniques with stretching, along with baseline TENS therapy.Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises focusing on cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. Exercises were done under supervision, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. All participants also received baseline TENS therapy.
OTHERNeck Calliet exercise
Neck Calliet exercise
Sponsors
University of Faisalabad
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Female nurses * Between 18 and 30 years of age * Having mechanical neck discomfort that is confined to the cervical or bilateral scapular regions (pain level must be 3-5 VAS) * There must be at least one trigger point in trapezius muscle * The participant must be ready to participate No clinical therapy for neck pain must have been performed in the preceding month
Exclusion criteria
* A recent medical history including surgery on the shoulder or neck * Signs of myelopathy in the clinic or radiculopathy * Diagnosed Fibromyalgia syndrome, psychiatric problems * Pregnancy * Cervical stenosis, malignancy (cervical, breast cancer) * Thoracic outlet syndrome * Vestibulobasilar artery syndrome * Whiplash injury * Diagnosis of migraine * Diabetes type I, systematic illness of cardio-respiratory system * Congenital deformities affecting the spine, shoulders, and limbs * Osteoporosis of cervical spine or cervical myeloma
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity Pain Intensity Pain intensity | Baseline and 4 weeks | Change in neck pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measured before and after 4 weeks of intervention. |
| Functional Disability | Baseline and 4 weeks | Functional disability was evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Range of Motion | Baseline and 4 weeks | Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion) was measured using a universal goniometer pre- and post-intervention to assess changes in mobility. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
Primary ContactFiza Tariq, MSPT
Outcome results
None listed