Immediate Effects of Strain Counterstrain Versus Fascial Distortion Model on Upper Trapezius Latent Trigger Points

NCT07368426 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: JYK-2025-02
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This pilot study aimed to compare the immediate effects of two manual therapy techniques, strain counterstrain (SCS) and the fascial distortion model (FDM), on pain-related outcomes and neuromuscular function in individuals with latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Twenty healthy adults with identified latent trigger points were randomly assigned to receive a single session of either SCS or FDM. Cervical range of motion, proprioception, pressure pain threshold, and cervical muscle strength were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. This study was conducted to obtain preliminary data regarding the short-term effects of two manual therapy approaches with contrasting stimulation characteristics.

Conditions

Latent Myofascial Trigger Points; Upper Trapezius Muscle

Keywords

Strain Counterstrain; Fascial Distortion Model; Manual Therapy; Myofascial Trigger Point; Upper Trapezius

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Cervical Range of Motion

  Active cervical range of motion was measured using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.

  Before and immediately after the intervention

• Pressure Pain Threshold

  Pressure pain threshold at the latent myofascial trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle was measured using a digital algometer.

  Before and immediately after the intervention

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Cervical Proprioception

  Before and immediately after the intervention

• Cervical Muscle Strength

  Before and immediately after the intervention

Study Arms (2)

Strain Counterstrain Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received a single session of strain counterstrain manual therapy applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.

Other: Strain Counterstrain

Fascial Distortion Model Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received a single session of fascial distortion model manual therapy applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.

Other: Fascial Distortion Model

Interventions

Strain Counterstrain OTHER

Strain counterstrain is an indirect manual therapy technique in which the body is passively positioned in a pain-free posture to reduce nociceptive input and muscle tension. In this study, a single session of strain counterstrain was applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.

Strain Counterstrain Group

Fascial Distortion Model OTHER

The fascial distortion model is a direct manual therapy approach that applies localized, high-intensity pressure to specific fascial distortions identified through patient body language and palpation. In this study, a single session of fascial distortion model intervention was applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.

Fascial Distortion Model Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 39 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy adults aged 18 to 39 years.
• Presence of latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
• No history of neurological or orthopedic disorders within the past six months.
• Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Current or previous complaints of neck or shoulder pain.
• Ongoing treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
• History of physical therapy or chiropractic treatment within the past six months.
• History of surgery or trauma involving the head or upper trunk.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kyungnam University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Kyungnam University

Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, 51767, South Korea

Location

Study Officials

• JiYoung Kim, PT, PhD

  Kyungnam University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

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: Adjunct Professor, Physical Therapy

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 18, 2026
• First Posted: January 26, 2026
• Study Start: September 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: October 31, 2025
• Study Completion: October 31, 2025
• Last Updated: January 26, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

KR (1)