Skip to main content
Clinical Trials/NCT05182346
NCT05182346
Completed
Not Applicable

Acupressure of Acupoints Versus Ischemic Compression Release of Myofascial Trigger Points in Non-specific Neck Pain: Randomised Controlled Trial

Soheir Shehata RezkAllah Samaan1 site in 1 country45 target enrollmentOctober 20, 2020

Overview

Phase
Not Applicable
Intervention
Not specified
Conditions
Manual Therapy
Sponsor
Soheir Shehata RezkAllah Samaan
Enrollment
45
Locations
1
Primary Endpoint
Pain intensity
Status
Completed
Last Updated
4 years ago

Overview

Brief Summary

Chronic neck pain (CNP) attributed to myofascial pain syndrome (MFPS) which is one of the particularly common skeletal muscle disorder associated with the hyperirritable zone in the taut band of muscle. Myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are one of the most overlooked and ignored causes of musculoskeletal pain. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of acupressure of cervical acupoints versus ischemic compression release (ICR) of MTrPs in CNP.

Detailed Description

Nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) is the commonest cause of neck symptoms and results from postural and mechanical causes.Chronic neck pain (CNP) attributed to myofascial pain syndrome (MFPS) which is one of the particularly common skeletal muscle disorder associated with the hyperirritable zone in the taut band of muscle. Myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are one of the most overlooked and ignored causes of musculoskeletal pain.The objectives of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of acupressure of cervical acupoints versus ischemic compression release (ICR) of MTrPs in CNP. This single blind randomized trial involves patients with NSNP were randomly assigned into three groups: the acupressure group (ACG), and the ischemic compression release group (ICRG) and the control group (CG). Patients in all groups received hot packs and post-isometric relaxation. Patients in ACG received acupressure at local acupuncture points, Gall bladder 21 (GB 21), small intestine 14 (SI 14) and SI 15, and the ICRG received pressure on MTrPs of trapezius muscle on both sides. VAS sores, pressure pain threshold (PPT), neck lateral flexion range of motion, and neck disability index (NDI) were assessed before and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Registry
clinicaltrials.gov
Start Date
October 20, 2020
End Date
June 13, 2021
Last Updated
4 years ago
Study Type
Interventional
Study Design
Factorial
Sex
All

Investigators

Sponsor
Soheir Shehata RezkAllah Samaan
Responsible Party
Sponsor Investigator
Principal Investigator

Soheir Shehata RezkAllah Samaan

Professor

Cairo University

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • All participants have nonspecific NP for a period of \>3 months
  • All participants are presented with at least one active MTrP at the upper trapezius muscle, -
  • All participants had not used any medications or physiotherapy to alleviate pain were included in this study.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Participants who met these criteria had been excluded:
  • NP due to trauma, whiplash, cervical disc prolapse, inflammation, malignant disease, or any other neurological and orthopedic conditions, which will affect the assessment.
  • Congenital malformation of the spine as it will alter the normal pattern of movements.
  • Had any invasive therapies in the past month.
  • Patients with sensory impairments, such as diabetic sensory neuropathy.
  • Mental disorders.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain intensity

Time Frame: 4 successive weeks

- The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessed the intensity of general pain and pain in the right and left upper trapezius. The scale consists of an unanchored horizontal line 10 centimeters in length, with one end corresponding to zero ("no pain") and the other to 10 ("maximum pain").

Pressure pain threshold

Time Frame: 4 successive weeks

The palpated trigger points are marked with a skin marker. The patient is positioned accordingly and a dial type pressure algometer is placed on the site and a con¬stant vertical pressure was applied to the site. The subject is instructed to express pain by raising their hands when only slight pain was felt, until then the pressure is increased at a constant rate.

Cervical range of motion

Time Frame: 4 successive weeks

It was aligned on the Nose Bridge and ears and was fastened to the head by a Velcro strap. It was imperative that the patient's chair be positioned such that the magnetic field would zero the dial meter for the rotation component. Prior to testing, Subjects were instructed to sit erect in the chair, with their low back against the chair, midback away from the chair, arms hanging at sides, and feet flat on the floor. Active right and left lateral flexion components of cervical spine motion were measured twice on each subject. During testing, all dials read zero before the desired component was measured. A horizontal line was placed on the wall for the purpose of tracking; subjects were instructed to follow this line when the lateral flexion component was measured

Secondary Outcomes

  • Neck function(4 successive weeks)

Study Sites (1)

Loading locations...

Similar Trials