Immediate effects of three different upper trapezius trigger point techniques on pain intensity and pressure threshold in students with cervical pain: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of three manual therapy protocols (Jones, Lewit, and Chaitow) with a sham group in terms of pain pressure threshold and intensity.

Participants

Fifty-two physiotherapy bachelor students with neck pain lasting more than 3 days were recruited.

Outcomes: Pain was assessed with Numerical Rating Scale and Pressure Algometer, while cervical range of motion was evaluated with the Baiobit Inertial sensor.

Intervention

An investigator, independent of the assessment and randomization, conducted all the interventions and sham procedures. Specifically, the Jones group received pincer palpation with a 1-min duration of ischemic compression, followed by 90 s of the no-pain Strain-Counterstrain technique. The Lewit group underwent flat palpation for 1 min, accompanied by 40 s of intermittent compression and post-isometric relaxation. The Chaitow group received deep palpation for 1 min, followed by the pressure release position lasting 20 s to 1 min, concluding with the muscle energy technique. The Sham group received only flat palpation and a 3-min homolateral muscle shortening position.

Results

Effects for all three techniques (Chaitow/Lewit/Jones) when comparing them to sham were not significant on pain intensity (−0.96/−1.01/−0.63) or on pressure threshold (−0.5/−0.4/−0.19). No adverse events or undesirable effects were observed during the study.

Conclusion

Immediate effects on pain intensity and pressure threshold are not directly attributable to any of the three tested trigger techniques.

Clinical trial registration number id

NCT05265468.