Comparison of High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound and Ischemic Compression Techniques for Treatment of Trigger Points

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
• Interventions: Other: ischemic compression; Other: high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose was kept constant; Other: high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose reduced to one half

• Registration Number: NCT04823013
• Lead Sponsor: Gazi University

Brief Summary

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of ischemic compression and two different application methods of high power pain threshold ultrasound techniques on latent trigger point treatment. Asymptomatic subjects divided into three groups. First group took high power pain threshold ultrasound in which the intensity is kept constant at the pain level; second group took high power pain threshold ultrasound which the intensity is kept constant at half the pain level and third group took ischemic compression. All participants were asked to complete the questionnaires, which assessed pain, psychological factors and disability before treatment, after 1 week and 1 month follow-up. After each participants completed the questionnaire, the physical therapist evaluated the MTrPs. MTrPs assessment was performed before treatment, immediately after treatment, after 1 week and 1 month follow-up.

Detailed Description

Myofascial trigger points have been defined as discrete and hyperirritable areas located within a taut band of skeletal muscle or fascia which when compressed produce pain, tenderness, dysfunction and autonomic phenomena. The treatment techniques aimed to return the fiber groups affected by myofascial trigger points to their normal length and endplates to their normal function. Although both ischemic compression and two different application methods of high power pain threshold ultrasound techniques are effective methods in the treatment of trigger points , there are no studies showing which technique is more effective. It is aimed to to compare the efficacy of ischemic compression and two different application methods of high power pain threshold ultrasound techniques on myofascial trigger point treatment.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2017-10-01
• Primary Completion: 2018-04-01
• Study Completion: 2018-04-01
• Status Verified: 2021-03
• Study First Submitted: 2021-03-24
• Study First Submitted QC: 2021-03-26
• Last Update Submitted: 2021-03-26
• Study First Posted: 2021-03-30
• Last Update Posted: 2021-03-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 153

Inclusion Criteria

1. being aged between 18-50
2. the presence of a minimum of 3 latent trigger points in Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Deltoid Anterior, Pectoralis Major, Pectoralis Minor muscles
3. no health problems
4. signed the voluntary consent form

Exclusion Criteria

1. have a neck, spine or shoulder injury in the last 6 months
2. continued neck and back pain in the last 6 months
3. having a skin disease that may affect upper extremity assessment
4. malign and benign tumors
5. pain relief medication
6. having psychiatric treatment. -

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
ischemic compression group	ischemic compression	Participants in IC group received one session of ischemic compression therapy. Ischemic compression is a therapy technique used in manual therapy, where blockage of blood in an area of the body is deliberately made, so that a resurgence of local blood flow will occur upon release.
high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose was kept constant group (HPPT-US 1)	high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose was kept constant	Participants in HPPT-US 1 group received one session of HPPT-US treatment which the dose was kept constant. The technique delivers sound waves directly to the myofascial trigger points and results in immediate pain relief.
high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose reduced to one half group (HPPT-US 2)	high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose reduced to one half	Participants in HPPT-US 2 group received one session of HPPT-US treatment which the dose reduced to one half. The technique delivers sound waves directly to the myofascial trigger points and results in immediate pain relief.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pain intensity	Pain intensity was measured using visual analog scale (VAS) at one month after the treatment (0-10 numeric pain rating scale, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 severe pain)	Pain intensity is of valuable diagnostic information, and we ask patients to evaluate how strong their pain feels
Beck Depression Inventory	Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at one month after the treatment. BDI comprises 21 items, each of which is rated between 0 and 3 on a 4-point Likert Scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 63 points.	Depression is a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which stops you doing your normal activities.
Neck Pain and Disability Scale	Disability was evaluated by Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD) at one month after the treatment. The scale progresses from 0 to 5, increasing the limitation. the total NPAD score, which ranges from 0 to 100 points.	A disability is any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them.
Myofascial trigger points assessment	The MTrPs assesment was made with palpation by the physical therapist. The therapist used an algometer. Pain pressure threshold values were evaluated at one month after the treatment.	Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) have been defined as discrete and hyperirritable areas located within a taut band of skeletal muscle or fascia which when compressed produce pain, tenderness, dysfunction and autonomic phenomena

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Istanbul Aydın University; 🇹🇷 Istanbul, Halit Aydın Kampüsü No:38 Küçükçekmece, Turkey