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NCT Number: NCT05182346

Acupressure Versus Ischemic Release in Non-specific Neck Pain

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Manual Therapy Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Soheir

Cairo, 11672, Egypt

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

Manual Therapy

Procedure
  • Acupressure of acupoints is manipulation of classic acupoints by pressure.
  • Ischemic compression release is applying pressure to the myofascial trigger points until release of these points.

Other names: Acupressure, Ischemic compression release

Primary outcomes

  1. 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").

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. Neck function

    Time frame: 4 successive weeks

    The neck disability index is composed of ten descriptions which assess an individual's daily activities, pain and concentration in regards to their functional sta¬tus. Each question carries six responses on a scale of 0-5 (Howard, 1991). The maximum possible score is 50. Disability is cal¬culated using the NDI raw score as no disability (0-4), mild (5-14), moderate (15-24), severe (25-34) and complete (<34).The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is the most widely used instrument in neck pain

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Soheir Shehata RezkAllah Samaan

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Acronym: Manual

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
Jan 10, 2022
Registry last updated
Mar 8, 2022

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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