Comparing Two Muscle Relaxation Techniques for Neck Pain

N/AActive Not RecruitingNCT07644988

University of Faisalabad44 enrolled

Overview

Levator scapulae muscle tightness is a common cause of neck pain due to poor posture. This study compares two manual therapy techniques: Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR). The goal is to determine which technique is more effective at reducing pain, improving neck range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in patients with this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either PRT or PIR for 4 weeks

This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. A sample of 44 participants aged 25-40 with levator scapulae tightness will be recruited from hospitals in Faisalabad. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups (n=22 each). Group A will receive the Positional Release Technique (PRT) involving a 90-second hold of the scapula in a specific position. Group B will receive Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) involving a 10-second contraction followed by a 10-second stretch. Both groups will receive a 10-minute hot pack before their respective techniques. Interventions will occur 3 times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Outcome measures include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical goniometry, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), measured at baseline and after 4 weeks

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Levator Scapulae Tightness Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Interventions

Positional Release TechniquePROCEDURE

Patient lies prone. The therapist palpates the levator scapulae and uses the far hand to translate the scapula upward and apply rotation. The superior angle of the scapula is tilted downward. This position is held for 90 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session.

post isometric relaxationPROCEDURE

Patient lies supine. The therapist stabilizes the shoulder and supports the neck. The patient performs an isometric contraction by moving the head back against resistance for 10 seconds. After relaxation, a passive stretch is applied for 10 seconds. 10 repetitions for 3 sets per session.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 25 YearsMax age: 40 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 25 to 40 years. * Both male and female. * Presence of a trigger point in levator scapulae (palpable tender spot with jump sign). * Score greater than 20% on the Neck Disability Index. * Unilateral non-specific neck pain. * Confirmation of trigger point via algometer. Exclusion Criteria: * History of trauma or fracture to the scapula or cervical spine. * Pregnancy. * Previous cervical spine surgery. * Diagnosis of cancer, cardiac condition, or infectious disease. * Specific neck pathology (e.g., disc prolapse, nerve root compression, whiplash).

Locations (1)

the University of Faisalabad

Faisalabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Pain Intensity

Measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Participants rate their average neck pain on an 11-point scale where 0 = 'no pain' and 10 = 'worst imaginable pain'

Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Cervical Range of Motion

Measured using a universal goniometer. Active range of motion will be assessed for cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation, measured in degrees

Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)

Change in Functional Disability

: Measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a 10-item questionnaire. Total scores range from 0 (no disability) to 50 (complete disability), reported as a percentage

Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks (post-intervention)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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