The Effect of Low-load Endurance Training of Upper Trapezius on Pain, Pressure Pain and Muscle St… (NCT06635759) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
The Effect of Low-load Endurance Training of Upper Trapezius on Pain, Pressure Pain and Muscle Stiffness in Chronic Neck-shoulder Pain Compared to Stretching Exercise
Hong Kong24 participantsStarted 2024-11
Plain-language summary
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of low-load endurance exercise as compared to stretching exercise on upper trapezius on pain, pressure pain and muscle stiffness in patients with chronic neck-shoulder pain. The hypothesis is that endurance exercise of the upper trapezius should result in significantly better improvement in terms of neck-shoulder pain, pressure pain threshold and muscle stiffness than stretching exercise.
Participants with unilateral neck-shoulder pain will either perform low-load endurance exercise or stretching exercise of the upper trapezius muscle of the affected side in a 5-week period. Before and after the 5-week training, outcomes will be assessed by investigators in order to compare the effectiveness of two exercises on pain, pressure pain, muscle stiffness, and muscle endurance. Secondary outcomes include Neck Disability Index (NDI) to assess various aspects of daily living impacted by neck pain, and Disabilities of Shoulder, Arm and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire to evaluate the ability to perform various upper limb activities.
Findings to be obtained from this study will help inform the clinical management in particular for self-care of this chronic neck pain group of participants, by refining the exercise prescription for promoting the clinical outcomes for individuals suffering from neck-shoulder pain. In addition, results of this study will also inform physiotherapists the possible mechanisms underlying the improvement of neck-shoulder pain by examination of the relationship between biomechanical properties of muscles, such as muscle endurance or muscle stiffness, and neck-shoulder pain.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Adults who
* (1) are between 20 and 60 years of age;
* (2) have worked with Display Screen Equipment (DSE) for a minimum of 20 hours per week;
* (3) are presenting persistent, non-specific pain over unilateral neck-shoulder region for more than 3 months, with at least 30 days of pain during the last year;
* (4) have average pain rating of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) larger than 3.4 centimeter out of 10 (moderate level of pain) during the week before data collection;
* (5) possess the range of motion of cervical rotation to the symptomatic side more than that of cervical rotation to the asymptomatic side with at least 10° difference as measured by placing a goniometric measurement sensor on the external occipital tuberosity (the lower edge of the upper sensor) and the spinous process of C7 vertebrae (the upper edge of the lower sensor), which may indicate "pseudo-tightness" of upper trapezius over the symptomatic side.
Exclusion Criteria:
* (1) have regular strength training of the neck and upper limbs during the year before the study;
* (2) have neck-shoulder pain with specific diagnosis or known cause, for instance cervical radiculopathy, prolapse of intervertebral disc or disc herniation, or with neurological deficits and symptoms;
* (3) have previous cervical spine or upper limb surgery;
* (4) have comorbidity which includes but is not limited to neurological disease such as stroke, Parkinson's disease or spinal cord injury, mental illness, heart di…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Pain
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 5 weeks
2
Muscle stiffness of upper trapezius
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 5 weeks
3
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 5 weeks
4
Upper Trapezius Endurance
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 5 weeks