NCT07573527

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation, including self-myofascial release and exercise therapy, in reducing pain, improving functional range of motion, and decreasing neck disability in patients with rhomboid trigger points associated with myofascial pain syndrome.

Trial Health

63
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Trial Health Score

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

Enrollment
36

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable

Timeline
8mo left

Started May 2026

Shorter than P25 for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
not yet 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 Progress3%
May 2026Jan 2027

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

April 30, 2026

Completed
1 day until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

May 1, 2026

Completed
6 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

May 7, 2026

Completed
7 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

December 1, 2026

Expected
1 month until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

January 1, 2027

Last Updated

May 7, 2026

Status Verified

April 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

7 months

First QC Date

April 30, 2026

Last Update Submit

April 30, 2026

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Keywords

Tele-rehabilitationMyofascial ReleaseSelf-Myofascial Release,Rhomboid Trigger PointsNeck PainPostural Correctioncervical retractionscapular retractionUpper Trapezius & Levator Scapulae Stretch

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

  • Inclinometer for functional range of motion

    An inclinometer is a reliable and valid instrument used to measure cervical range of motion (ROM) in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. It provides objective and reproducible angular measurements of spinal movement. Studies have reported excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.85-0.98) for cervical motion assessment using a dual inclinometer.

    2 weeks

  • Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

    The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a simple, reliable, and valid tool used to assess pain intensity. It consists of an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10.The NPRS shows strong construct and concurrent validity when compared with other established pain assessment tools.The NPRS has demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.95) is across various musculoskeletal and rehabilitation populations

    2 weeks

  • Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a standardized questionnaire used to assess the impact of neck pain on daily activities. It consists of 10 items, each scored from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The NDI has shown excellent reliability (ICC = 0.89-0.94) and strong validity for evaluating functional limitations in patients with neck and upper back pain.

    2 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Tele-rehabilitation (Exercise Therapy + Self-Myofascial Release)

EXPERIMENTAL

1. Self-Myofascial Release: Using a tennis ball against the wall targeting rhomboid region (5 mintues in total). 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . 5. Mode of Delivery: Live/video-guided tele-rehabilitation sessions.

Other: Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release)

Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment

OTHER

1. Manual Myofascial Release: Therapist performe myofascial release on rhomboid trigger points.( 5 mintues in total) 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . 5. Mode of Delivery: In hospital treatment.

Other: Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment

Interventions

Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release)OTHER

1. Self-Myofascial Release: Using a tennis ball against the wall targeting rhomboid region (5 mintues in total). 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . 5. Mode of Delivery: Live/video-guided tele-rehabilitation sessions.

Tele-rehabilitation (Exercise Therapy + Self-Myofascial Release)
Conventional Myofascial Release TreatmentOTHER

1. Manual Myofascial Release: Therapist performe myofascial release on rhomboid trigger points.( 5 mintues in total) 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education .

Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 35 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • Participants falling in this category would be recruited into the study.
  • Age 18-35 years
  • Both Genders: Male and Female
  • Paitents experiencing Neck and upper back pain due to active trigger points.(16) According to Travell and Simons (1999)criteria, active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are identified.
  • NPRS ≥4
  • Presence of maximum one or more than one MTrPs in the Romboids muscle.
  • Prolong sitting at least 6 hours per day.
  • Access to a device with internet connection ( for tele rehabilitation group).

You may not qualify if:

  • Participants falling in this category would be excluded from the study.
  • Participants fall in this category would be excluded of the study.
  • Patients currently taking analgesics (painkillers) or muscle relaxants.
  • Any inflammatory pathology, neurological impairment, and cervical tumor.
  • Other deformities such as scoliosis or torticollis.
  • Spinal Injuries and any other co morbidity.
  • Any surgery, trauma, fracture and fall.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Patient unwilling to comply follow up schedule.
  • Patient involvement in another interventional study.

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

JPMC

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Myofascial Pain SyndromesNeck Pain

Interventions

Telerehabilitation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular DiseasesMusculoskeletal DiseasesPainNeurologic ManifestationsSigns and SymptomsPathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

RehabilitationAftercareContinuity of Patient CarePatient CareTherapeuticsHealth ServicesHealth Care Facilities Workforce and ServicesTelemedicineDelivery of Health CarePatient Care ManagementHealth Services Administration

Study Officials

  • Maria khalid, MSOMPT

    Riphah International University

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Maria Khalid, MSOMPT

CONTACT

03315369768maria.khaild@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

April 30, 2026

First Posted

May 7, 2026

Study Start

May 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

January 1, 2027

Last Updated

May 7, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations

PA(1)