Comparison of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) and Active Release Technique (… (NCT07395154) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Comparison of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) and Active Release Technique (ART) in Patients With Upper Trapezius Trigger Points
64 participantsStarted 2026-02-15
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether two manual therapy techniques-Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) and Active Release Technique (ART)-can reduce pain, improve neck range of motion, and decrease functional disability in adults with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does INIT reduce pain, improve ROM, and reduce functional disability more effectively than ART?
Does ART provide similar or different treatment benefits compared to INIT?
Researchers will compare INIT with ART to see which technique produces greater improvements in pain, ROM, and functional disability.
Participants will:
Receive treatment sessions of either INIT or ART.
Undergo assessment of pain, cervical range of motion, and functional disability before and after the intervention.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 40 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:
* Presence of active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
* Forward Head Posture (measured by craniovertebral angle).
* Pain duration less than 3 months.
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of trauma or surgery involving the cervical spine or shoulder
* Neurological disorders (e.g., cervical radiculopathy)
* Systemic conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
* Use of corticosteroids
* Fibromyalgia, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
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
Goniometer (Range of Motion)
Timeframe: Assessment at baseline, after 3rd and 6th weeks.
2
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Timeframe: Assessment at baseline, after 3rd and 6th weeks.
3
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Timeframe: Assessment at baseline, after 3rd and 6th weeks.
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07395154
SponsorLahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences