Comparative Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Deep Transverse Friction Massage in Patients With Trapezius Myalgia
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 招募中
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 42
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Bubble Inclinometer
研究概览
简要总结
This randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) in patients with trapezius myalgia. A total of 42 participants aged 18-45 years will be randomly assigned to either intervention group. Both groups will also receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of TENS, hot packs, range-of-motion exercises, and stretching. Treatment will be provided four sessions per week for four weeks. Outcomes include pain intensity, cervical range of motion, muscle strength, and functional disability.
详细描述
Trapezius myalgia is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain, muscle tightness, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced cervical movement. It commonly develops due to poor posture, prolonged desk work, repetitive upper-limb activities, and occupational stress. These symptoms reduce functional ability and quality of life.
Although both Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) are widely used in physiotherapy, evidence comparing their effectiveness is limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine which intervention provides greater improvements in pain, cervical range of motion, muscle strength, and functional disability.
The study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial at the Department of Physical Therapy, Ibadat International University Islamabad. Forty-two participants will be recruited using a sample size calculated through OpenEpi. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups.
Both groups will receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), hot pack application, active range-of-motion exercises, and stretching exercises. Treatment will be administered four sessions per week for four weeks (16 sessions).
The DTFM group will receive manual deep transverse friction massage over the upper trapezius muscle to reduce pain, release adhesions, and improve tissue mobility. The IASTM group will receive soft tissue mobilization using stainless-steel instruments to improve circulation, release fascial restrictions, and promote tissue healing.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
盲法说明
The study will be conducted as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The outcome assessor responsible for measuring and recording the study outcomes will be blinded to the participants' group allocation. The assessor will not be involved in the intervention and will be instructed not to discuss the treatment received by participants.
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 45 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Male and female participants aged 18-45 years. Clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia with neck pain lasting more than two weeks.
- •Tenderness over the upper trapezius muscle. NPRS pain score greater than
- •Cervical flexion less than 60° and extension less than 50°. Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
排除标准
- •Congenital or structural musculoskeletal deformities (e.g., torticollis, scoliosis, cervical rib).
- •Open wounds, skin infections, or dermatological conditions over the treatment area.
- •Cervical spine or upper limb surgery within the previous 12 months. Cervical radiculopathy, cervical spondylosis, herniated disc, or whiplash injury.
研究组 & 干预措施
Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM)
Participants will receive Deep Transverse Friction Massage over the upper trapezius muscle along with conventional physiotherapy, including TENS, hot packs, stretching, and active range-of-motion exercises. The intervention aims to reduce pain, improve tissue mobility, increase cervical range of motion, enhance muscle strength, and improve functional ability
干预措施: Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) (Other)
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Participants will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization using stainless-steel instruments together with the same conventional physiotherapy protocol. The intervention aims to reduce soft tissue restrictions, improve circulation, decrease pain, enhance cervical mobility, increase muscle strength, and improve functional outcomes.
干预措施: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) (Other)
结局指标
主要结局
Bubble Inclinometer
时间窗: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.
Cervical range of motion measured using a Bubble Inclinometer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
时间窗: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.
Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
Neck Disability Index (NDI).
时间窗: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment
Functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
次要结局
- Hand-Held Dynamometer.(Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.)
研究者
Hafsah Arshad
Assistant Professor
Ibadat International University, Islamabad