Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users.

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Neck Pain; Chronic Neck Pain

• Registration Number: NCT06918535
• Lead Sponsor: IQRA University

Brief Summary

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the potential effectiveness of Progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) vs Muscle energy technique (MET) as an intervention for releasing trigger points in SCM and upper trapezius in prolonged computer users. The study will be conducted in a workplace setting, where desk-type computer users are expected to regularly engage in their professional activities for ≥ 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently. This study will be conducted at the Outpatient Physiotherapy department of Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi among 60 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain on the basis of non-probability purposive sample technique. After taking informed consent, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups through a investigator (blinded) the same investigator will be screening the individuals, doing baseline assessment, and post treatment assessment while another investigator will be providing intervention. Group 1 will receive Progressive muscle relaxation technique while Group 2 will receive Muscle Energy Technique on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius bilaterally. Patients will also be blinded. A total of 12 sessions will be provided. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post treatment after 2 weeks intervention.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-18
• Study Start: 2025-03-30
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-08
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-09
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-09
• Primary Completion: 2026-04-15
• Study Completion: 2026-04-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

• Persons using computer more than 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently both genders.
• Age between 20-45.
• Hypertonicity of trapezius muscle and SCM muscle. Specifically, those workers have neck pain and stiffness (including trouble tilting or turning head). Patients who reported small tightening and spasm at the posterior aspect of their neck are included, also associated with more diffuse neck pain patterns that included the following: headache, (upper back, neck and shoulder pain) numbness/ tingling in the hand/arm.
• Pain intensity of 2 on the NRS and presence of at least one latent trigger point in a taut band in the neck region.

Exclusion Criteria

• Recent trauma to the cervical region
• Exclusion criteria based on with any serious pathology such as specific neck pain due to disc prolapsed, tumor of cervical spine, whiplash injury, cervical fractures, Cervicogenic headache, and any neurological signs consistent with nerve root compression

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in pain on Numeric Rating Scale	Baseline and week 2	On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. Individuals will be asked to rate the pain. Increase in number suggests increase in pain and decrease in number suggests decrease in pain.
Change in disability on the Neck Pain Disability Index Scale	Baseline and week 2	The questionnaire, consists of 10 sections with scores ranging from 0 to 5, has demonstrated validity and reliability. The percentage of disability score will be calculated, where item scores range from 0 (no limitation) to 5 (major activity limitation), and the total score is a sum of the item scores (possible range 0 (no pain) - 50 (maximal pain)). A score of less than 4 indicates no disability; 5-14 mild disability, 15-24 moderate disability and 25-34 severe disability. A score of above 35 indicate complete perceived disability. The patient will rate each section based on their level of difficulty due to neck pain. Increase in score suggests increase in disability and decrease in score suggests decrease in disability.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Range of Motion on the Goniometer	Baseline and week 2	A goniometer, a tool used to measure joint angles, is used to assess range of motion, which is the degree of movement a joint can achieve. Goniometry, the measurement of joint angles. Increase in scores suggests increase in range of motion.
Change from baseline in head posture on plumb line	Baseline and week 2	A plumb line is a simple tool to check posture by comparing head and shoulder alignment. Landmarks: Mastoid process \& auditory meatus (ear canal). Any forward head posture is noted if the tragus (ear) moves ahead of the plumb line. Measured in inches while standing or sitting. Increase in inches suggests increase and decrease suggests decrease in forward head posture.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; 🇵🇰 Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan