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Muscle Energy Technique Versus Myofascial Release in Chronic Non Specific Neck Pain

NCT07710950 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 44

Last updated 2026-07-17

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Chronic non-specific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can significantly affect daily activities, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. It is often associated with muscle tightness, poor posture, and reduced neck mobility without any specific underlying structural pathology such as fracture or nerve compression.

This study aims to compare two commonly used physiotherapy treatment techniques: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain.

A total of 52 participants aged 18-45 years with neck pain lasting more than three months will be included in this randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

Group A: Conventional physiotherapy plus Muscle Energy Technique Group B: Conventional physiotherapy plus Myofascial Release Therapy

Both groups will receive treatment twice weekly for four weeks

. Conventional physiotherapy will include moist heat application and stretching exercises for neck muscles. In addition, one group will receive Muscle Energy

Technique targeting the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles, while the other group will receive Myofascial Release Therapy targeting the same muscle groups.

Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, at the second week, and at the fourth week. The study will evaluate:

Pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) Neck range of motion (Inclinometer) Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) Neck-related disability (Neck Disability Index)

The results of this study may help determine which technique is more effective in reducing pain, improving movement, enhancing sleep quality, and reducing disability in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. This may support clinicians in selecting the most appropriate treatment approach.

Conditions

  • Chronic Neck Pain
  • Mechanical Neck Pain

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Muscle Energy Technique

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual therapy procedure based on post-isometric relaxation principles. In this study, MET will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles. Participants will perform a gentle isometric contraction (approximately 20% effort) against therapist resistance for 7-10 seconds, followed by relaxation and passive stretch. The technique will be performed in 3 sets with 5 repetitions per muscle. Each session will last approximately 20 minutes and will be administered twice weekly for four weeks, in addition to conventional physiotherapy.

PROCEDURE

Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) is a hands-on manual therapy technique aimed at reducing fascial restrictions and muscle tightness. In this study, sustained manual pressure (90-120 seconds) will be applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles to achieve tissue release. Slow, controlled stretching will be performed without forceful movements. Each session will last approximately 15 minutes and will be administered twice weekly for four weeks, in addition to conventional physiotherapy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Lahore

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
45 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-08-01
Primary Completion
2025-12-31
Completion
2026-02-15

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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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 NCT07710950 on ClinicalTrials.gov