NCT07138807

Brief Summary

This study compares the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in managing mechanical neck pain and associated disability due to trapezius trigger points among nurses. A total of 38 female nurses were randomly assigned to two intervention groups, each receiving therapy for four weeks. Pain, cervical range of motion, and disability outcomes were assessed.

Trial Health

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Monitor

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Enrollment
38

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Aug 2025

Shorter than P25 for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

August 15, 2025

Completed
2 days until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

August 17, 2025

Completed
7 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

August 24, 2025

Completed
1 month until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

September 30, 2025

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

September 30, 2025

Completed
Last Updated

September 12, 2025

Status Verified

September 1, 2025

Enrollment Period

2 months

First QC Date

August 17, 2025

Last Update Submit

September 11, 2025

Conditions

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Keywords

MET, Neck Calliet Exercise, Cervical ROM, VAS, NDI

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

  • Pain Intensity Pain Intensity Pain intensity

    Change in neck pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measured before and after 4 weeks of intervention.

    Baseline and 4 weeks

  • Functional Disability

    Functional disability was evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.

    Baseline and 4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

  • Cervical Range of Motion

    Baseline and 4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

MET Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS

Behavioral: Muscle Energy Technique

Calliet Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS.

Other: Neck Calliet exercise

Interventions

Muscle Energy TechniqueBEHAVIORAL

Participants in this group received Muscle Energy Techniques targeting the upper trapezius trigger points. Treatment was provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session included post-isometric relaxation techniques with stretching, along with baseline TENS therapy.Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises focusing on cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. Exercises were done under supervision, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. All participants also received baseline TENS therapy.

MET Group
Neck Calliet exerciseOTHER

Neck Calliet exercise

Calliet Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 30 Years
Sexfemale(Gender-based eligibility)
Gender Eligibility DetailsOnly female nurses aged 25 to 45 years with mechanical neck pain and active trapezius trigger points were included in the study. The gender restriction was applied to ensure sample homogeneity and to control for occupational and physiological factors that may influence the outcomes.
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • Female nurses
  • Between 18 and 30 years of age
  • Having mechanical neck discomfort that is confined to the cervical or bilateral scapular regions (pain level must be 3-5 VAS)
  • There must be at least one trigger point in trapezius muscle
  • The participant must be ready to participate No clinical therapy for neck pain must have been performed in the preceding month

You may not qualify if:

  • A recent medical history including surgery on the shoulder or neck
  • Signs of myelopathy in the clinic or radiculopathy
  • Diagnosed Fibromyalgia syndrome, psychiatric problems
  • Pregnancy
  • Cervical stenosis, malignancy (cervical, breast cancer)
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Vestibulobasilar artery syndrome
  • Whiplash injury
  • Diagnosis of migraine
  • Diabetes type I, systematic illness of cardio-respiratory system
  • Congenital deformities affecting the spine, shoulders, and limbs
  • Osteoporosis of cervical spine or cervical myeloma

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

The University of Faisalabad

Faisalabad, Punjab Province, 38000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular DiseasesMusculoskeletal Diseases

Study Officials

  • Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, HOD Surgery

    The University of Faisalabad

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Fiza Tariq, MSPT

CONTACT

+923072933338faizant741@gmail.com

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Clinical Research Investigator

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

August 17, 2025

First Posted

August 24, 2025

Study Start

August 15, 2025

Primary Completion

September 30, 2025

Study Completion

September 30, 2025

Last Updated

September 12, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Locations

PA(1)