Core Stability vs Scapular Stabilization on Hand Grip Strength in Chronic Myofascial Neck Pain

Summary

Chronic myofascial neck pain (CMNP) is a painful non-articular musculoskeletal neck syndrome that is a persistent and prevalent with a high incidence of recurrence rate range 30-93%.Management of myofascial trigger points were directed at its deactivation, and prevention of its recurrence. Based on mechanical kinetic chain, the upper extremity functions as a unique system of connected segments those collaborated in a harmony in order to perform daily life activities. Core stability exercises maximize motor pathways mechanoreceptors' activities, as well scapular stabilization exercises are generally recommended based on reported benefits in terms of chronic neck pain. The relationship between chronic myofascial neck pain, and hand disability is quite strong. From mechanical point of view, core stability exercises improve trunk stability in line to enhance upper extremity efficiency that facilitates hand, and pinch grasping. In addition, scapular stabilization exercises could improve both hand, and pinch grasp strength and dexterity. Therefore, this randomized clinical trial will be conducted in line to clarify the superiority of the therapeutic effects between core stability exercises, scapular stabilization exercises, and conventional physical therapy program on hand grip strength, pinch grip strength, neck pain intensity level, pain pressure threshold, and whole upper extremity functional level in patients with chronic myofascial neck pain.

Conditions

• Myofascial Neck Pain
• Hand Grip Strength
• Pressure Pain Threshold
• Trigger Point in Trapezius Muscle
• Core Muscle Weakness
• Scapular Muscle Endurance
• Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire
• Neck Pain Musculoskeletal

Interventions

OTHER

Core Stability Exercise Protocol

The core stability exercise protocol will be conducted to experimental group (A), only. The core stability exercise protocol will be conducted for 40-45 minutes (10 minutes worm-up 'stretch exercises', 25 minutes core stabilization exercises, and 5-10 minutes cool down exercises 'stretch exercises') 3 sections/ week for six weeks 1\. Diaphragm Core '';360 degree expansion breathing, weighted breathing 2. Transverse abdominis 'Abdominal drawing in maneuver, supine vacuum, pelvic tilt'; 3. Multifidus 'quadruped altered leg/arm, bridge with leg extension'; 4. Pelvic Floor muscles/Kegel, bridging, and bridging dog, and squat Core stability exercise.

OTHER

Scapular stabilization Exercise Protocol

The scapular stabilization exercise protocol will be conducted to experimental group (B), only. The core scapular stabilization exercise protocol will be conducted for 40-45 minutes (10 minutes worm-up 'stretch exercises', 25 minutes scapular stabilization exercises, and 5-10 minutes cool down exercises 'stretch exercises') 3 sections/ week for six weeks a. Open chain stabilization exercises 'scapular elevation/depression, upward/downward rotation', b. Static closed chain stabilization exercises 'Protected weight bearing through both hands leaning against wall', c. Dynamic closed chain stabilization exercises 'scapular retraction'

OTHER

Traditional Physical Therapy Protocol

1. Ischemic compression; apply an intermittent ischemic compression on the identified MTrPs within upper trapezius via the researcher thumb for ninety seconds. 2. Strain-counter strain; apply pressure at MTrPs within stretched upper trapezius, with patient will move the affected shoulder passively to 90° of abduction and external rotation for ninety seconds. 3. Muscle Energy Technique; patient will do lateral neck flexion to opposite side, and will maintained for 10 seconds, will apply thirty seconds of stretch for ipsilateral affected upper trapezius

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Sohair Shehata Rezkallah, Professor · Cairo University; Faculty of Physical Therapy

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

25 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-06-01

Primary Completion

2027-01-01

Completion

2027-06-30

Countries

• Egypt

Study Locations