Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization versus myofascial release therapy in treatment of chronic neck pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) versus myofascial release therapy (MRT) on college students with chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP).

METHODS:

Thirty-three college students with a mean age of 21.33 ± 0.98 involved in distance learning due to the Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19) restriction were randomized to receive either IASTM on the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles or MRT. Researchers measured their pain with a visual analog scale (VAS), function with neck disability index (NDI), and pain pressure threshold (PPT) with a pressure algometer. The subjects received eight therapy sessions over four weeks and outcome measures were assessed pre and post-intervention. The study was registered as a clinical trial on clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT05213871).

RESULT:

Unpaired t-test showed no statistical significance between the two groups post-intervention regarding improvement in pain, function, and PPT (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

This study showed insignificant differences between groups. However, we did not use a control group, indicating that the improvement in outcomes may not have been caused by the intervention.

STUDY DESIGN:

Quasi-experimental two groups pre-posttest clinical trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapy, level 2b.

• Authors: Fatma Shewail, Salwa Abdelmajeed, Mohamed Farouk, Mohamed Abdelmegeed
• Journal: BMC musculoskeletal disorders (BMC Musculoskelet Disord) Vol. 24 Issue 1 Pg. 457 (Jun 03 2023) ISSN: 1471-2474 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 37270471 (Publication Type: Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2023. The Author(s).

Topics

• Humans
• Young Adult
• Adult
• Neck Pain (diagnosis, therapy)
• Myofascial Release Therapy
• COVID-19
• Pain Threshold
• Myofascial Pain Syndromes (therapy)
• Chronic Pain (diagnosis, therapy)