Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT05776199

Myofascial Trigger Points of the Levator Scapulae Muscle

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is considered one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder in the majority of the population. However, normal tissue contractility changes and the different types of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) measured by tensiomography have not yet been studied. For this reason, the aim of our study is to determine the differences in pressure pain threshold (PPT), tensiomyography and sonoelastography between the palpation zone of control points with respect to active and latent MTrPs in the levator scapulae muscles of subjects with CNP. A single-blind descriptive cross-sectional study is conducted with a convenience sample of 60 points (20 active, 20 latent and 20 control points) on both sides of the subject in the levator scapulae muscles of individuals diagnosed with CNP.

The order of outcome measurements for each point was PPT, manual tension index sonoelastography and tensiomyography separated by 15 minutes. Objective contractile parameters were: contraction time (Tc), mean relaxation time (Tr), maximum radial displacement (Dm), holding time (Ts) and delay time (Td).

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Myofascial Pain Syndromes Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universidad Católica de Ávila

Ávila, 05005, Spain

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Bilateral presence of at least one active trigger point.
  • One control point and one latent trigger point in the levator scapulae muscles.
  • Subjects aged between 18 and 65 years.
  • Subjects diagnosed with chronic neck pain for more than 6 weeks.
  • Signed informed consent to be able to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous treatment for chronic neck pain (within one year) or medical history with a diagnosis of neuropathy.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Myopathy.
  • Cognitive impairment or mental disability.
  • Skin disorders.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Activity level of a high-level athlete.
  • Medical conditions (fractures, structural deformities and neoplasms).
  • Surgical interventions in the cervical-dorsal region or upper extremities.

Treatment and study plan

Sonoelastography, tensiomyography and mechanosensitivity

Diagnostic Test

To observe the differences between the different trigger points of the levator scapulae muscle by means of different diagnostic options.

Primary outcomes

  1. manual tension index sonoelastography

    Time frame: 1 week

    Measurement of manual ultrasound transducer tension on the trigger point of the levator scapulae

Secondary outcomes

  1. tensiomyography

    Time frame: 1 week

    Ultrasound transducer tensiomyography measurement of the levator scapulae trigger point

  2. minimum intensity of a stimulus that elicits the sensation of pain (pressure pain threshold).

    Time frame: 1 week

    patient-tolerable pain at the trigger point of the levator scapulae muscle measured by algometer.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad Católica de Ávila

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Sonoelastography, Tensiomyography and Mechanosensitivity Between Latent, Active and Control Trigger Points in Myofascial Trigger Points of the Levator Scapulae Muscle.

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Mar 20, 2023
Registry last updated
May 6, 2023

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.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.