CompletedNot Applicable

Myofascial Release vs. Stretching With Ultrasound for Trapezius Trigger Points in Athletes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Saudi Arabia54 participantsStarted 2022-08-07

Plain-language summary

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of MFR plus HPPT-US versus stretching plus HPPT-US on pain intensity, cervical range of motion (ROM), muscle length (ML), and neck disability in athletes with active upper trapezius MTrPs. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 male athletes diagnosed with active upper trapezius MTrPs. Participants were randomly assigned to Group A (MFR + HPPT-US) or Group B (stretching + HPPT-US). Interventions were administered over two weeks. Outcome measures including Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ROM, ML, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were recorded at baseline, week 1, week 2, and one-week follow-up. Between-group comparisons were analyzed using independent t-tests, and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. For all statistical analyses, the level of significance alpha was set at 95% (p \< .05).

Who can participate

Age range

20 Years – 40 Years

Sex

MALE

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: * Male athletes * Aged between 20-40 years * Active MTrPs in the upper trapezius, confirmed via Travell and Simons' (1999) criteria (palpable taut band, spot tenderness, referred pain, and local twitch response); * Chronic pain lasting 2-3 months; and * Willingness to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Fibromyalgia (per American College of Rheumatology criteria; Wolfe et al., 1990); * Recent MTrP injections or physical therapy (within 1 year); * Acute trauma or systemic conditions (e.g., inflammatory diseases); and * Neurological deficits. * Non-willingness to participation or showed non-cooperation.

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

Pain intensity

Timeframe: Once a week for 3 weeks (baseline, week 1 and 2 post-intervention, and follow up at week 3 after one-week completion of intervention.

Cervical range of motion

Timeframe: Once a week for 3 weeks (baseline, week 1 and 2 post-intervention, and follow up at week 3 after one-week completion of intervention.

Functional disability

Timeframe: Once a week for 3 weeks (baseline, week 1 and 2 post-intervention, and follow up at week 3 after one-week completion of intervention.

Upper trapezius muscle length

Timeframe: Once a week for 3 weeks (baseline, week 1 and 2 post-intervention, and follow-up at week 3 after one-week completion of intervention).

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07002593

SponsorKing Saud University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-01-17

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Active Trapezius Trigger Point Pain trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

20 Years – 40 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Pain intensity

Timeframe: Once a week for 3 weeks (baseline, week 1 and 2 post-intervention, and follow up at week 3 after one-week completion of intervention.

Cervical range of motion

Timeframe: Once a week for 3 weeks (baseline, week 1 and 2 post-intervention, and follow up at week 3 after one-week completion of intervention.

Functional disability

Timeframe: Once a week for 3 weeks (baseline, week 1 and 2 post-intervention, and follow up at week 3 after one-week completion of intervention.

Upper trapezius muscle length

Timeframe: Once a week for 3 weeks (baseline, week 1 and 2 post-intervention, and follow-up at week 3 after one-week completion of intervention).