The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Ischemic Compression (IC) and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on pain, functionality, cervical range of motion, pressure pain threshold, and quality of life in patients suffering from nonspecific neck pain.
Chronic nonspecific neck pain affects approximately 67% of the global population at least once in their lifetime. This type of neck pain, which is not linked to any specific cause or disease but often associated with the musculoskeletal system, can result from muscle strain or spasms in the neck. It causes functional limitations and decreases quality of life for those affected. Individuals frequently turn to healthcare services and pain-relieving medications in their efforts to manage this discomfort. Chronic nonspecific neck pain is recognized as a significant public health challenge due to its considerable socioeconomic impact. Several studies have indicated that myofascial trigger points in the neck region are associated with nonspecific neck pain and that myofascial trigger point therapy can reduce pain. Therefore, the role of myofascial trigger point therapy in the treatment of nonspecific neck pain has been emphasized in studies.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
48
Participants will received a total of 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks, with 2 sessions per week.
Participants will received a total of 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks, with 2 sessions per week.
Participants will receive stretching and strengthening exercises for neck and scapular stabilizer muscles as a 6-week home program.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
Istanbul, Büyükçekmece, Turkey (Türkiye)
Visual Analog Scale(VAS)
VAS is a measurement tool commonly used to assess the intensity of pain or other symptoms. It consists of a horizontal line labeled with descriptive anchors at each end (e.g., 'no pain' to 'worst pain imaginable'). Patients mark on the line to indicate their subjective perception of symptom severity, with the distance from the starting point to the mark providing a quantitative measure. As the value on the scale increases, the perceived pain or symptom intensity also increases
Time frame: Six weeks
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
NDI is a measurement tool used to assess functional limitations in the neck region. It is commonly employed in individuals experiencing neck pain to evaluate the extent of restrictions in daily activities. NDI allows patients to subjectively assess how much their neck pain affects their daily lives. The score on the scale indicates the degree of functional impairment experienced by the patient and is used to evaluate treatment outcomes. When the score decreases, it indicates a reduction in limitations.
Time frame: Six weeks
The Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ)
WRFQ evaluates functionality and work capacity by assessing individuals' roles and functions in the workplace. It covers aspects such as work performance, job retention, and job-related functionality. The questionnaire identifies both constraints and strengths in the workplace, offering insights into employees' perceptions of their job performance and role. It is widely used to assess return to work readiness and overall work ability, with higher scores indicating improved work performance.
Time frame: Six weeks
Cervical range of motion
Individuals' active cervical range of motion includes flexion, extension, right-left lateral flexion, and rotation will measured with a universal goniometer.
Time frame: Six weeks
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Pain pressure threshold
The pressure algometer (model: JTECH USA Commander) will be applied perpendicularly to the trigger point. Participants will be instructed to report the onset of discomfort. Compression will be halted upon their report, and the measurement displayed on the algometer screen will be documented. Three readings will be taken with a 30-second interval between each trial, and the average value will be recorded for analysis.
Time frame: Six weeks
SF- 12 quality of life
SF-12 Quality of Life (SF-12 QoL) is a standardized survey tool used to measure health-related quality of life in individuals. It consists of 12 questions that assess physical and mental health, daily functioning, emotional well-being, and overall perception of health status. The survey provides scores for physical and mental health components, reflecting the individual's perceived quality of life across these domains. SF-12 QoL is widely used in research and clinical settings to evaluate health outcomes, monitor changes in health status over time, and assess the impact of interventions on quality of life.
Time frame: Six weeks
Global Rating of Change (GROC)
The satisfaction levels of the participants will be evaluated using the 5-point GROC scale at the end of 6 weeks. The scale ranges from -2 to +2, where -2 indicates "I am much worse," -1 indicates "I am worse," 0 indicates "I am the same," +1 indicates "I am better," and +2 indicates "I am much better."
Time frame: Six weeks