NCT07838584

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of ischemic release and sustained pressure direct myofascial release for upper trapezius trigger points. The study will compare their effects on pain pressure threshold, cervical range of motion, and scapular upward rotation following a two-week intervention.

Trial Health

77
On Track

Trial Health Score

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

Enrollment
42

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable

Timeline
3mo left

Started Sep 2026

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 Progress20%
Sep 2026Jan 2027

Study Start

First participant enrolled

September 9, 2026

Completed
9 days until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

September 18, 2026

Completed
6 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

September 24, 2026

Completed
3 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

December 18, 2026

Expected
1 month until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

January 18, 2027

Last Updated

September 24, 2026

Status Verified

September 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

3 months

First QC Date

September 18, 2026

Last Update Submit

September 18, 2026

Conditions

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Keywords

Ischemic compressionMyofascial release therapyTrigger points

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

  • Pain Pressure Threshold

    Pain pressure threshold will be assessed using a Wagner digital algometer.

    Baseline and after 2 weeks.

  • Cervical range of motion

    Cervical ROM will be assessed using a goniometer.

    Baseline and after 2 weeks

  • Scapular upward rotation

    Scapular upward rotation will be assessed using a bubble inclinometer.

    Baseline and after 2 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Ischemic Release

EXPERIMENTAL
Procedure: Ischemic release

Sustained pressure direct myofascial release

EXPERIMENTAL
Procedure: Sustained pressure Direct Myofascial release

Interventions

Ischemic releasePROCEDURE

Participants will receive a two-week physiotherapy program with three sessions per week. Each session will include heat application followed active ROM and passive stretching. Participants in Group A will receive ischemic compression in addition to standard physiotherapy. Pressure should be applied via thumb for 20 second - 1 minute until pain decreases or muscle begin to relax.

Also known as: Ischemic compression
Ischemic Release
Sustained pressure Direct Myofascial releasePROCEDURE

Participants will receive a two-week physiotherapy program with three sessions per week. Each session will include heat application followed active ROM and passive stretching. Participants in Group B will receive sustained pressure direct MFR in addition to standard physiotherapy. Apply pressure to the trigger point for 8-20 seconds, maintaining it until a physical "discharge" or release is felt, which may take five minutes or more.

Sustained pressure direct myofascial release

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

  • AGE; 18-35 years
  • Male \& Female
  • Unilateral Trapezius muscle involvement
  • Presence of at least one active trigger point in upper trapezius muscle.
  • Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score of 3-8 points
  • Subacute Neck pain for 4-12 weeks
  • Point tenderness on palpable taut band
  • Reproducible provocation according to referred pain pattern mapping
  • Cervical range of motion change in SB ≥ 2° and ROT ≥ 2° than normal SB=45° AND ROT=70°
  • Willing to participate and provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

  • Serious pathology (e.g. neoplasm, fracture)
  • Radiculopathy
  • History of whiplash injury within past 6 months
  • Neurological deficit
  • Taking steroids or on concurrent physiotherapy treatment
  • Prior surgery to cervical spine \& shoulder

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Islamabad, Punjab Province, 44000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Interventions

Acupressure

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular DiseasesMusculoskeletal Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Therapy, Soft TissueMusculoskeletal ManipulationsComplementary TherapiesTherapeuticsPhysical Therapy ModalitiesRehabilitation

Central Study Contacts

Sohaima Javed, DPT

CONTACT

+92321 5404044sohaimajaved55@gmail.com

Quratulain Saeed, MS-OMPT

CONTACT

+92331 5562889quratulain.saeed@fui.edu.pk

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
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

September 18, 2026

First Posted

September 24, 2026

Study Start

September 9, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 18, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

January 18, 2027

Last Updated

September 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Locations

PA(1)