Muscle Energy Techniques and Trigger Point Therapy in Asymptomatic Persons With Latent Trigger Point

Summary

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy which will be a combination of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Trigger Point Therapy (TPT), performed bilaterally on the upper trapezius muscle in the group of asymptomatic persons with latent trigger point. The study will show whether one-time therapy has an impact on: mobility of the cervical spine, biophysical parameters (muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity) of soft tissues and pressure pain threshold of upper trapezius muscle. An additional goal will be to compare the effectiveness of the three treatments used: combination of MET with TPT, single MET and single TPT.

Research hypotheses:

* The combination of MET with TPT will increase the angular ranges of basic cervical spine movements immediately after the therapy and these effects will persist the second day after the intervention.
* The combination of MET with TPT will increase the elasticity and reduce muscle tone and stiffness in the area of the upper trapezius immediately after the therapy, and these effects will persist the second day after the intervention.
* The combination of MET with TPT will increase the pressure pain threshold of upper trapezius muscle immediately after the therapy, and this effect will persist the second day after the intervention.
* The combination of MET with TPT will be more effective than single MET and single TPT methods.

Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) can be defined as a group of soft tissue manipulation methods. They are a multi-task techniques that can be performed to improve the function of the musculoskeletal system and reduce pain. METs are used by clinicians who treat various myofascial and joint dysfunctions as well as a form of prevention and protection of the musculoskeletal system.

Trigger point therapy (TPT) uses manual techniques such as ischemic compression (IC), positional release (PR), dry needling and soft tissue manipulations \[TP1\]. Their main purpose is to reduce or eliminate the symptoms generated by myofascial trigger points (TrPs), which are defined as severely irritated areas within the hypertonic muscle fiber band or the fascia itself. Latent TrPs are described as those that do not generate symptoms on their own. However, they can cause refered pain at the time of provocation, i.e. pressure at the place of their occurrence.

In the scientific literature there are no reports on the assessment of the combination of MET with TPT

Conditions

• Asymptomatic Condition

Interventions

OTHER

Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

The Contract-Relax Agonist-Contract (CRAC) technique will be used, which belongs to the broad MET group. The participant will be in the supine position. The therapist will set the cervical segment in the lateral flexion until a slight soft tissue tension is felt. The technique will consist of two stages. In the first phase (contraction phase), the upper trapezius will be activated against the therapist's resistance (shoulder girdle elevation) - 10 seconds. Then the person undergoing the procedure breathes in and out deeply. Then 10 seconds of antagonist group contraction (shoulder girdle depression) will be performed. Next, the therapist will passively move the participant's shoulder girdle towards the depression. Then the second phase will follow (stretching phase), during which the participant will passively lie in the back position for 30 seconds. Both phases will make up the therapeutic cycle. Each participant will have 5 cycles on each side of the upper trapezius.

OTHER

Trigger Point Therapy (TPT)

The technique of Positional Release (PR) will be used, which is one of the broadly understood Trigger Point Therapy. It will consist in compressing the trigger point with a simultaneous shortening of muscle attachments (slight lateral flexion towards the relaxed muscle). The muscle on both sides will be treated. The pressure exerted by the therapist's pincer grip will be acceptable to the patient. The duration of the technique will be 2 minutes for each muscle. While performing this technique, the participant will passively lie on his back.

OTHER

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) combined with Trigger Point Therapy (TPT)

For this type of intervention, TPT will first be performed on both sides of the upper trapezius muscle, followed by MET, which will also be performed bilaterally. The detailed method of performing the applied therapeutic techniques for the combined procedure will be identical as in the case of isolated (single) methods.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Poznan University of Physical Education

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Michał Wendt, PhD · Poznan University of Physical Education

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

19 Years

Max Age

21 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-04-29

Primary Completion

2020-05-12

Completion

2020-05-12

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations