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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05892991

Using Different Amplitude-modulated Frequencies of IFC for the Treatment of Trigger Points

the authors of this work will conduct a randomized controlled trial intended to examine different amplitude-modulated frequencies of interferential current on different measures related to chronic trigger points located in the upper trapezius muscle.

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Key information

Conditions

Age range

17 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hisham Hussein, Ha'il, Ha'il Region, Saudi Arabia

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About this study

this randomized controlled trial was designed to fill a gap in the literature regarding the most effective amplitude-modulated frequency of interferential current on pain pressure threshold, cervical ROM, and function of the neck region.

this study will be consisted of 4 groups, all groups will receive standard manual treatment commonly used for the treatment of chronic trigger points. this treatment will be conducted 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The standard treatment will consist of an intermittent neuromuscular inhibition technique.

the 3 experimental groups will receive interferential current sessions (3/week) for 4 weeks with the same parameters except for the amplitude-modulated frequency.

outcome measurements will be assessed at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 4 weeks of the end of the treatment (follow-up).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • males or females,
  • 17 - 50 years of age,
  • unilateral pain in the cervical, neck, and upper shoulder, pain persists for 3 months or more,
  • pain should be not less than 2 on the visual analog scale (VAS),
  • having positive signs of chronic (latent) trigger point(s) in the upper trapezius muscle

Exclusion criteria

  • cervical and or shoulder pathologies such as disc lesions, arthritis, or compression problems.
  • neurological symptoms in the upper limb such as radiculopathy.
  • previous cervical, thoracic, or shoulder surgery.
  • regular sports practice.
  • heavy work-related activities.
  • trauma to the cervical spine (whiplash injury).
  • osteoporosis.
  • complex regional pain syndrome.
  • thoracic outlet syndrome
  • regular analgesic drugs.

Treatment and study plan

Interferential current

Other

this intervention is a type of therapeutic electrical currents of medium frequency used commonly in physical therapy to relieve acute and chronic pain as well as stimulate muscle contraction.

Other names: medium frequency current

Primary outcomes

  1. Active Range of motion (AROM) for cervical spine.

    Time frame: at baseline

    Active range of motion (AROM) of neck side flexion (ipsilateral and contralateral) will be measured using a valid and reliable inclinometer application for Android phone. Measurements will be collected while the participant seated on a chair with back support. The phone will be placed horizontally on the back of the head while the participants assume neutral head position. The participant will be instructed to keep the shoulder rested and move the head to one side till the end of the available range. The procedure will be repeated 3 times and the average value will be used for analysis.

  2. Active Range of motion (AROM) for cervical spine.

    Time frame: at 4 weeks

    Active range of motion (AROM) of neck side flexion (ipsilateral and contralateral) will be measured using a valid and reliable inclinometer application for Android phone. Measurements will be collected while the participant seated on a chair with back support. The phone will be placed horizontally on the back of the head while the participants assume neutral head position. The participant will be instructed to keep the shoulder rested and move the head to one side till the end of the available range. The procedure will be repeated 3 times and the average value will be used for analysis.

  3. Active Range of motion (AROM) for cervical spine.

    Time frame: at 4 weeks after the end of the treatment (follow-up)

    Active range of motion (AROM) of neck side flexion (ipsilateral and contralateral) will be measured using a valid and reliable inclinometer application for Android phone. Measurements will be collected while the participant seated on a chair with back support. The phone will be placed horizontally on the back of the head while the participants assume neutral head position. The participant will be instructed to keep the shoulder rested and move the head to one side till the end of the available range. The procedure will be repeated 3 times and the average value will be used for analysis.

  4. Pain pressure threshold by pressure algometer

    Time frame: at baseline

    The assessor will assess the pain pressure threshold in Kg/cm2 using a pressure algometer (FDIX25 Digital Force Gauge, Greenwich, CT, USA). The algometer will be placed with its tip perpendicular over the TrP then gradual pressure will be applied. The participants will be asked to report pain once they feel it. Measurements will be repeated twice with 30-s rest intervals in-between trials. The mean value will be used for analysis. the more improvement the higher value of pain pressure can be tolerated before pain sensation percieved

  5. Pain pressure threshold by pressure algometer

    Time frame: at 4 weeks

    The assessor will assess the pain pressure threshold in Kg/cm2 using a pressure algometer (FDIX25 Digital Force Gauge, Greenwich, CT, USA). The algometer will be placed with its tip perpendicular over the TrP then gradual pressure will be applied. The participants will be asked to report pain once they feel it. Measurements will be repeated twice with 30-s rest intervals in-between trials. The mean value will be used for analysis. the more improvement the higher value of pain pressure can be tolerated before pain sensation percieved

  6. Pain pressure threshold by pressure algometer

    Time frame: at 4 weeks after the end of the treatment (follow-up)

    The assessor will assess the pain pressure threshold in Kg/cm2 using a pressure algometer (FDIX25 Digital Force Gauge, Greenwich, CT, USA). The algometer will be placed with its tip perpendicular over the TrP then gradual pressure will be applied. The participants will be asked to report pain once they feel it. Measurements will be repeated twice with 30-s rest intervals in-between trials. The mean value will be used for analysis. the more improvement the higher value of pain pressure can be tolerated before pain sensation percieved

  7. Function using neck disability index

    Time frame: at baseline

    The participant's functional status will be assessed by a validated Arabic version of the neck disability index (NDI). The NDI is a 10-item questionnaire scored from 0-50 points (0-100%) in which higher scores indicate higher levels of disability. The cutoff points are: score of 5-14 points (10- 28%) indicates mild disability, 15-24 points (30-48%) indicates moderate disability, 25-38 points (50-68%) indicates severe disability, and above 34 points (68%) for complete disability

  8. Function using neck disability index

    Time frame: at 4 weeks

    The participant's functional status will be assessed by a validated Arabic version of the neck disability index (NDI). The NDI is a 10-item questionnaire scored from 0-50 points (0-100%) in which higher scores indicate higher levels of disability. The cutoff points are: score of 5-14 points (10- 28%) indicates mild disability, 15-24 points (30-48%) indicates moderate disability, 25-38 points (50-68%) indicates severe disability, and above 34 points (68%) for complete disability

  9. Function using neck disability index

    Time frame: at 4 weeks after the end of treatment (follow-up)

    The participant's functional status will be assessed by a validated Arabic version of the neck disability index (NDI). The NDI is a 10-item questionnaire scored from 0-50 points (0-100%) in which higher scores indicate higher levels of disability. The cutoff points are: score of 5-14 points (10- 28%) indicates mild disability, 15-24 points (30-48%) indicates moderate disability, 25-38 points (50-68%) indicates severe disability, and above 34 points (68%) for complete disability

  10. number of painful episode in the trapezius muscle

    Time frame: at baseline

    This outcome will be simply assessed by asking the participant try to accurately determine the number of pain attacks in the affected muscle during the last/ previous 4 weeks. the participant will report the number of painful episodes during the last 4 weeks before engaging in the study, then at the 4 months of the treatment program, then at 4 weeks of the end of the treatment program

  11. number of painful episode in the trapezius muscle

    Time frame: at 4 weeks

    This outcome will be simply assessed by asking the participant try to accurately determine the number of pain attacks in the affected muscle during the last/ previous 4 weeks. the participant will report the number of painful episodes during the last 4 weeks before engaging in the study, then at the 4 months of the treatment program, then at 4 weeks of the end of the treatment program

  12. number of painful episode in the trapezius muscle

    Time frame: at 4 weeks after the end of treatment (follow-up)

    This outcome will be simply assessed by asking the participant try to accurately determine the number of pain attacks in the affected muscle during the last/ previous 4 weeks. the participant will report the number of painful episodes during the last 4 weeks before engaging in the study, then at the 4 months of the treatment program, then at 4 weeks of the end of the treatment program

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Hail

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Influence of Using Different Amplitude Modulated Frequencies on the Effectiveness of Interferential Current in Treating Trapezius Trigger Points: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Jun 7, 2023
Registry last updated
Jan 7, 2025

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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