MedTrace Logo

rESWT vs LLLT for Cervical Myofascial Pain

NCT07593781 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 50

Last updated 2026-05-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Background and Aim: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in the cervical region is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders associated with myofascial trigger points that cause muscle pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, precipitated by forward head posture. Many non-invasive modalities, including low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), have been reported to reduce symptoms. However, comparative effectiveness of these interventions remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of radial ESWT and LLLT in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with cervical MPS among the working-age adults. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted in a working-age adults with MPS. Fifty subjects, divided in two groups received either ESWT or LLLT. Numeric rating scale (NRS), cervical range of motion (ROM), and craniovertebral angle (CVA) were assessed before and throughout three weeks post intervention. Results: Both LLLT and ESWT showed significant (p \< 0.001) changes in NRS, cervical ROM, and CVA. LLLT showed a difference in pain reduction at week three (p \< 0.001) and flexion and extension ROM at week two and three (p \< 0.05). Conclusion: LLLT demonstrated superior results in pain reduction at the three-week mark and produced greater increases in cervical flexion and extension ROM during the two- and three-week periods when compared with ESWT.

Conditions

  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Neck
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
  • Low-Level Light Therapy
  • Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Interventions

DEVICE

Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

The first group intervened with ESWT BTL-5000 SWR radial 2000-4000 pulse per session, once a week, for a duration of 10-60 minutes, for three weeks. ESWT was applied to MTrPs bilaterally at 2.5 bar, with a frequency of up to 10 Hz and an energy flux density of 0.05-0.35 mJ/mm². Ultrasound gel was applied to the skin where ESWT probes were attached.

DEVICE

Low-Level Laser Therapy

The second group received LLLT with BTL 4000 a total of six times, given twice a week. LLLT was applied to palpated active MTrPs at a dose of 40-50 J and an average power of 100 mW

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia

    collaborator UNKNOWN

  • Indonesia University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Tirza Z Tamin, MD · Indonesia University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
59 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-10-01
Primary Completion
2025-08-30
Completion
2025-09-01

Countries

  • Indonesia

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07593781 on ClinicalTrials.gov