Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users.

NCT06918535 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: IQRAU
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the potential effectiveness of Progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) vs Muscle energy technique (MET) as an intervention for releasing trigger points in SCM and upper trapezius in prolonged computer users. The study will be conducted in a workplace setting, where desk-type computer users are expected to regularly engage in their professional activities for ≥ 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently. This study will be conducted at the Outpatient Physiotherapy department of Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi among 60 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain on the basis of non-probability purposive sample technique. After taking informed consent, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups through a investigator (blinded) the same investigator will be screening the individuals, doing baseline assessment, and post treatment assessment while another investigator will be providing intervention. Group 1 will receive Progressive muscle relaxation technique while Group 2 will receive Muscle Energy Technique on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius bilaterally. Patients will also be blinded. A total of 12 sessions will be provided. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post treatment after 2 weeks intervention.

Conditions

Neck Pain; Chronic Neck Pain

Keywords

chronic pain; Computer user; Muscle relaxation; Progressive muscle relaxation,; neck pain; chronic neck pain; Sternocleidomastoid muscle; Trapezius; neck pain musculoskeletal

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in pain on Numeric Rating Scale

  On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. Individuals will be asked to rate the pain. Increase in number suggests increase in pain and decrease in number suggests decrease in pain.

  Baseline and week 2

• Change in disability on the Neck Pain Disability Index Scale

  The questionnaire, consists of 10 sections with scores ranging from 0 to 5, has demonstrated validity and reliability. The percentage of disability score will be calculated, where item scores range from 0 (no limitation) to 5 (major activity limitation), and the total score is a sum of the item scores (possible range 0 (no pain) - 50 (maximal pain)). A score of less than 4 indicates no disability; 5-14 mild disability, 15-24 moderate disability and 25-34 severe disability. A score of above 35 indicate complete perceived disability. The patient will rate each section based on their level of difficulty due to neck pain. Increase in score suggests increase in disability and decrease in score suggests decrease in disability.

  Baseline and week 2

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Range of Motion on the Goniometer

  Baseline and week 2

• Change from baseline in head posture on plumb line

  Baseline and week 2

Study Arms (2)

Group A (Intervention)

EXPERIMENTAL

To start Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique with deep breathing, individuals will be trained to sit in a comfortable position with or without eyes opening. It will involve relaxing neck muscles through a two-step process. First, participants will be commanded to tense the particular SCM and upper trapezius muscle by active contraction along with deep breathing (deeply and slowly inhaling through the nose). Then, they will be commanded to squeeze the muscles as hard as they can, holding for 5-10 seconds, after that employees will be asked to relax the muscle for 10-15 seconds while relaxing the muscle employees will be asked to exhale slowly through the mouth (5 repetitions for each side). Intervention will be given for 30 minutes for 6 days a week for 2 weeks.

Other: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique

Group B (Control)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Muscle Energy Technique with deep breathing * Trapezius Muscle: The therapist will position the patient supine, supporting the back of the patient's head with one hand and placing the other on the clavicle. The head will be bent forward, rotated, and bent toward the same side to test for flexibility, and then brought midway between the initial and fully rotated positions. The patient will breathe in, hold their breath, and perform isometric (20% of max force) while the therapist provides resistance for 6-7 seconds, followed by a stretch during exhalation, to be repeated 3-4 times. * Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: The patient will be supine with a cushion under the shoulder, tilting the head slightly back. The therapist will place one hand on the mastoid and the other on the sternum. The patient will rotate the head to the opposite side, lift it while holding breath while the therapist provides resistance for 6-7 second

Other: Muscle Energy Technique

Interventions

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique OTHER

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a relaxation technique that involves systematically tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body to reduce physical tension and stress. Developed by Edmund Jacobson in the 1930s, PMR aims to promote deep relaxation by increasing awareness of muscle tension and learning to release it. The technique is typically performed in a quiet environment, starting from the feet and progressing upward or vice versa. It is commonly used for stress management, pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improving overall well-being.

Group A (Intervention)

Muscle Energy Technique OTHER

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual therapy approach that uses the patient's voluntary muscle contractions against a controlled resistance provided by the therapist to improve musculoskeletal function. It is commonly used to lengthen shortened muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain. MET works by engaging the target muscles in an isometric or isotonic contraction, followed by a relaxation phase, allowing for a greater stretch or repositioning of the joint. It is frequently used in physiotherapy for conditions such as muscle tightness, joint restrictions, and postural imbalances.

Group B (Control)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Persons using computer more than 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently both genders.
• Age between 20-45.
• Hypertonicity of trapezius muscle and SCM muscle. Specifically, those workers have neck pain and stiffness (including trouble tilting or turning head). Patients who reported small tightening and spasm at the posterior aspect of their neck are included, also associated with more diffuse neck pain patterns that included the following: headache, (upper back, neck and shoulder pain) numbness/ tingling in the hand/arm.
• Pain intensity of 2 on the NRS and presence of at least one latent trigger point in a taut band in the neck region.

You may not qualify if:

• Recent trauma to the cervical region

Sponsors & Collaborators

• IQRA University: lead
• Dow University of Health Sciences: collaborator
• Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Karachi, Sindh, 74200, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Related Publications (23)

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• Loh EW, Shih HF, Lin CK, Huang TW. Effect of progressive muscle relaxation on postoperative pain, fatigue, and vital signs in patients with head and neck cancers: A randomized controlled trial. Patient Educ Couns. 2022 Jul;105(7):2151-2157. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.10.034. Epub 2021 Nov 3.

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Related Links

• Related Info
• Stress effects on the body \[Internet\]. American Psychological Association
• Jacobson, E. Progressive relaxation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 1929.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: Benefits, techniques, and more \[Internet\]. MediLexicon International.
• Norelli SK, Long A, Krepps JM. Relaxation Techniques. StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2021.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neck Pain; Chronic Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Syeda Waniya Riaz, PhD (scholar), MSAPT, DPT

  IQRA University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Syeda Waniya Riaz, PhD (scholar), MSAPT, DPT

CONTACT

+923352783584; waniya.riaz@iqra.edu.pk

Aftab Ahmed Mirza Baig, PhD, MSAPT, DPT

CONTACT

+923002739920; dr.aftab@iqra.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Outcomes assessor involved in the clinical trial will be prevented from having knowledge of the interventions assigned to individual participants. Participants will also be masked as both treatments are almost similar.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: It is a randomized controlled trial. Total 60 patients will be recruited, 30 in each group that includes 6 patients as a dropout in both groups. There will be one interventional group and one control group. Treatment will be allocated using a random number sheet generated by SPSS software version 23. Participants are assigned to one of two groups in parallel for the duration of the study.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 18, 2025
• First Posted: April 9, 2025
• Study Start: April 22, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 15, 2026
• Study Completion: April 30, 2026
• Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)