Magnetic Resonance Elastography to Monitor Response to Manual Therapy in Myofascial Pain (NCT07278570) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Magnetic Resonance Elastography to Monitor Response to Manual Therapy in Myofascial Pain
United States78 participantsStarted 2026-02-01
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this research is to develop and test new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods that look at how muscles and tissues under the skin (myofascial tissues) move and respond to pressure. The investigators want to see how these tissues differ between healthy people and people with pain or injury, and how they change after hands-on treatment (Tuina therapy). The results will also be compared to a group that receives standard care without Tuina therapy.
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
1. Can MR elastography (MRE) show changes in how the fascia and the layers between muscles move and stretch before and after manual therapy?
2. Do changes seen on MRE scans match changes in pain, function, and other symptoms reported by participants?
3. Can MRE measurements before treatment help predict which participants are most likely to improve with manual therapy?
In this randomized controlled trial, participants with myofascial pain will be randomly assigned (randomized) to either the Tuina group or the Usual Care group following a home-based care program without manual therapy. All treatments are noninvasive, hands-on techniques commonly used in clinical practice to reduce tissue tightness and improve movement.
Participants will be asked to undergo three MRI scans and to complete questionnaires and other standard clinical assessments about their pain, physical function, and quality of life.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* Adult males or females (age ≥ 18 years)
* A history of chronic low back for at least 3 months. (Measured by patient history and physical exam)
* A palpable taut band or nodule within the skeletal muscle
* Hypersensitive tender spot within the taut band
* Recognition of current pain complaint by pressure on the tender nodule/taut band
* Painful limit to the full stretch range of motion
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Any contraindication to an MRI exam, or severe claustrophobia that would prevent safe completion of the scan
* Previous therapy in the area to be treated within 3 months
* Previous severe back injury (including fracture) or surgery
* Any neurological conditions or active systemic disease (e.g. diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis) that impaired sensation/pain perception
* Severe osteoarthritis
* Skin injuries in the area to be treated
* Inability to provide consent.
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
Change in Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity (PEG) score
Timeframe: Baseline, 1 day post-intervention, 3 weeks post-intervention