Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Comparative Effect of Active Release Technique and Myofascial Release in Cervical Myofascial Syndrome

Pakistan44 participantsStarted 2026-06-05

Plain-language summary

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to find the comparative effect of Active Release Technique and Myofascial release, each combined with eye exercises, on asthenopia, sleep quality, stress, pain and functional disability in patients with CMPS. A total of 44 participants will be randomized into two groups, ART + eye exercises and MFR+ eye exercises with interventions provided 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 2 weeks and then after 4 weeks.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * • Both genders * Age between 18 and 40 years * Neck pain since last month with NPRS \>3 * Cervical Myofascial pain (Presence of one or more trigger point in neck/ shoulder muscles particularly (upper trapezius, SCM and levator) * PSQI score \> 5 * Subjects with ASQ-17 score \> 13 Exclusion Criteria: * • Subjects with a history of cervical trauma or surgery * Subjects with a history of substance abuse * Subjects with use of sleep medications * Subjects with psychological disturbance (stress, depression or anxiety) * Visual impairment or ophthalmologic disease other than asthenopia

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.

1This trial compares two hands-on manual therapy techniques — Active Release Technique and Myofascial Release — for cervical myofascial pain; given my specific symptoms and how my pain started, which of these two approaches does my doctor think is more likely to help me, and would it be worth waiting for this trial versus starting one of them now?
2The trial is measuring sleep quality and perceived stress alongside neck pain and disability — do my doctor think my sleep problems and stress levels are connected to my cervical myofascial syndrome, and how does that affect what treatment path makes sense for me?
3Since this trial is not yet recruiting, there's no clear timeline for when I could actually enroll; is there a standard or proven treatment I should be pursuing in the meantime so I'm not delaying care while waiting?
4The trial also tracks eye strain symptoms using something called the Asthenopia Survey Questionnaire — I hadn't connected eye strain to my neck pain, so should I be discussing that symptom with my doctor, and does it change anything about my diagnosis or treatment options?
5Because this is a Phase NA comparative study between two existing therapy techniques rather than a new drug or procedure, what does my doctor think the real-world risk of participating would be compared to just receiving one of these treatments outside of a trial?

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.