Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users.

Summary

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the potential effectiveness of Progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) vs Muscle energy technique (MET) as an intervention for releasing trigger points in SCM and upper trapezius in prolonged computer users. The study will be conducted in a workplace setting, where desk-type computer users are expected to regularly engage in their professional activities for ≥ 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently. This study will be conducted at the Outpatient Physiotherapy department of Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi among 60 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain on the basis of non-probability purposive sample technique. After taking informed consent, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups through a investigator (blinded) the same investigator will be screening the individuals, doing baseline assessment, and post treatment assessment while another investigator will be providing intervention. Group 1 will receive Progressive muscle relaxation technique while Group 2 will receive Muscle Energy Technique on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius bilaterally. Patients will also be blinded. A total of 12 sessions will be provided. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post treatment after 2 weeks intervention.

Conditions

• Neck Pain
• Chronic Neck Pain

Interventions

OTHER

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a relaxation technique that involves systematically tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body to reduce physical tension and stress. Developed by Edmund Jacobson in the 1930s, PMR aims to promote deep relaxation by increasing awareness of muscle tension and learning to release it. The technique is typically performed in a quiet environment, starting from the feet and progressing upward or vice versa. It is commonly used for stress management, pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improving overall well-being.

OTHER

Muscle Energy Technique

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual therapy approach that uses the patient's voluntary muscle contractions against a controlled resistance provided by the therapist to improve musculoskeletal function. It is commonly used to lengthen shortened muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain. MET works by engaging the target muscles in an isometric or isotonic contraction, followed by a relaxation phase, allowing for a greater stretch or repositioning of the joint. It is frequently used in physiotherapy for conditions such as muscle tightness, joint restrictions, and postural imbalances.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Dow University of Health Sciences

  collaborator OTHER

• Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

  collaborator OTHER

• IQRA University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Syeda Waniya Riaz, PhD (scholar), MSAPT, DPT · IQRA University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

20 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-04-22

Primary Completion

2026-04-15

Completion

2026-04-30

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations