Neck Pain Musculoskeletal
Conditions
Keywords
nonspesific neck pain, percussive massage, musculoskeletal disorders
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the acute effects of percussion massage therapy compared with a sham intervention on cervical range of motion and pressure pain threshold in individuals with nonspecific neck pain.
Detailed description
Nonspecific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with reduced cervical mobility and increased pain sensitivity. Percussion massage therapy has gained popularity as a therapeutic modality; however, evidence regarding its true physiological effects remains limited. This single-blind randomized controlled trial investigated the immediate effects of percussion massage therapy compared with a sham intervention in individuals with nonspecific neck pain. Participants were randomly allocated to either a percussion massage therapy group or a sham percussion therapy group. Cervical range of motion and pressure pain threshold were assessed before and immediately after the intervention.
Interventions
Percussion massage therapy is applied using a handheld percussive massage device. The intervention is performed with the participant in a seated position and targets the bilateral upper trapezius muscles for a total duration of 6 minutes. A circular massage head is used to deliver percussive stimulation along the muscle for 2 minutes on each side, followed by focused stimulation at two trigger points using a bullet head attachment for 30 seconds per point at a frequency of 30 Hz.
DEVICESham Percussion Therapy
The same percussive massage device is activated to produce comparable sound and vibration cues but is held at a fixed distance from the skin without physical contact. The duration of the procedure and therapist-participant interaction are matched to the experimental intervention to maintain participant blinding.
Sponsors
Bezmialem Vakif University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Adults aged 18 to 60 years Diagnosis of nonspecific neck pain Resting neck pain intensity of ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
History of cervical spine fracture, tumor, or inflammatory disease Previous surgery involving the neck or shoulder region Neurological deficits related to the cervical spine Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy Cognitive impairment or inability to understand study procedures
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Range of Motion (ROM) | Immediately before and immediately after the intervention | Cervical range of motion (ROM) is assessed in flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation using a digital goniometer. Measurements are performed in a seated position by a blinded assessor following standardized procedures. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) | Immediately before and immediately after the intervention | Pressure pain threshold (PPT) is measured bilaterally at two standardized points over the upper trapezius muscle using a digital pressure algometer. Pressure is gradually increased until the participant first perceives pain, and the mean of three measurements at each site is recorded. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed