Combined Therapy and Jones Technique for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points (NCT07695402) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Combined Therapy and Jones Technique for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points
Brazil40 participantsStarted 2024-10-07
Plain-language summary
Myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle are a common cause of neck pain and may negatively affect pressure pain threshold, upper limb function, sleep quality, and quality of life. This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of the Jones Technique, combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation \[TENS\]), their combination, and a sham intervention in women with active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. The primary outcome was pressure pain threshold. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, upper limb disability, sleep quality, quality of life, physical activity level, and participant satisfaction.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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:
* Female participants aged 18 to 40 years.
* Presence of active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle for no longer than 12 weeks.
* Neck pain lasting less than 3 months.
* Pain intensity of at least 3 cm on the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
* Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other contraindications to electrotherapy.
* Pregnancy.
* Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease.
* Psychiatric disorders that could interfere with study participation.
* Thrombosis or coagulation disorders.
* History of tumors or neoplasms.
* Physical therapy or myofascial treatment within the previous 3 weeks.
* Treatment for myofascial trigger points within the previous 3 months.
* Current use of analgesic medications.
* Cervical musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., cervical osteoarthritis or other cervical lesions).
* History of cervical trauma or surgery.
* Cervical spondylosis or spondylolisthesis with radiculopathy.
* Fibromyalgia or other systemic rheumatic diseases.
* Other musculoskeletal disorders that could interfere with the study outcomes.
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
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately after the intervention (single treatment session)
2
Pain Intensity
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately after the intervention