Efficacy of Activator Trigger Point and Shock Wave Therapy on Pain and Function in Active Upper Trapezius Trigger Points: A Randomized Controlled Study

NCT07594223 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: SuezU1
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 100
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of trigger point activator and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with active myofascial trigger points in the upper fibers of the trapezius muscle. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited and informed consent will be obtained prior to participation. The subjects will then be randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A: will receive treatment using the trigger point activator applied to the active trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Group B: will receive extracorporeal shock wave therapy applied to the same region. The treatment will be applied according to standardized therapeutic parameters for a predetermined number of sessions over the study period. Outcome measures will be assessed before the beginning of the treatment program and after completion of the intervention period. Pain intensity and pressure pain threshold will be assessed using an algometer. Functional disability related to the neck will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). All collected data will be recorded and statistically analyzed to determine the effectiveness of both treatment modalities in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes.

Conditions

Cervical

Keywords

cervical; trigger points; shock wave

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Neck Disability Index (NDI)

  Questionnaire assessing neck function valid and reilable

  6 weeks

• VAS

  Pain score

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

treatment

EXPERIMENTAL

receive treatment using the trigger point activator applied to the active trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.

Device: Activator

Shockwave

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

will receive extracorporeal shock wave therapy applied to the same region. The treatment will be applied according to standardized therapeutic parameters for a predetermined number of sessions over the study period.

Device: Shockwave

Interventions

Shockwave DEVICE

will receive extracorporeal shock wave therapy applied to the same region. 12. The treatment will be applied according to standardized therapeutic parameters for a predetermined number of sessions over the study period.

Shockwave

Activator DEVICE

will receive treatment using the trigger point activator applied to the active trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.

treatment

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 27 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• \. Male or female participants aged between 25 and 40 years. 2. Body Mass Index (BMI) between 20 and 30 kg/m². 3.Presence of active myofascial trigger points in the upper fibers of the trapezius muscle confirmed by clinical examination.
• Complaints of neck pain associated with upper trapezius trigger points. 5. Ability and willingness to participate in the treatment sessions and follow the study protocol.

You may not qualify if:

• \. History of neck trauma, cervical spine fracture, or cervical spine surgery. 2. Presence of neurological disorders affecting the cervical region. 3. Presence of cervical disc prolapse or severe cervical spine pathology. 4. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia or systemic musculoskeletal disorders. 5. Presence of skin diseases, wounds, or infections at the treatment area. 6. Patients with malignancy or severe systemic diseases.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University: lead
• Suez University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Suez Uni

Suez, Egypt

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Activator Appliances

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Orthodontic Appliances, Functional; Orthodontic Appliances; Orthodontics; Dentistry; Orthodontic Appliances, Removable

Central Study Contacts

Mina Wahba, phD

CONTACT

+062 3707068; mina.magdy@the.suezuni.edu.eg

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Department of Physical Therapy for Orthopedics, Faculty of Physical Therapy

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 7, 2026
• First Posted: May 18, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 12, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)