Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users. (RCT)

IQRA University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Chronic Neck Pain; Neck Pain

Treatments: Other: Muscle Energy Technique; Other: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06918535

IQRAU

Details and patient eligibility

About

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the potential effectiveness of Progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) vs Muscle energy technique (MET) as an intervention for releasing trigger points in SCM and upper trapezius in prolonged computer users. The study will be conducted in a workplace setting, where desk-type computer users are expected to regularly engage in their professional activities for ≥ 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently. This study will be conducted at the Outpatient Physiotherapy department of Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi among 60 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain on the basis of non-probability purposive sample technique. After taking informed consent, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups through a investigator (blinded) the same investigator will be screening the individuals, doing baseline assessment, and post treatment assessment while another investigator will be providing intervention. Group 1 will receive Progressive muscle relaxation technique while Group 2 will receive Muscle Energy Technique on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius bilaterally. Patients will also be blinded. A total of 12 sessions will be provided. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post treatment after 2 weeks intervention.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Persons using computer more than 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently both genders.
• Age between 20-45.
• Hypertonicity of trapezius muscle and SCM muscle. Specifically, those workers have neck pain and stiffness (including trouble tilting or turning head). Patients who reported small tightening and spasm at the posterior aspect of their neck are included, also associated with more diffuse neck pain patterns that included the following: headache, (upper back, neck and shoulder pain) numbness/ tingling in the hand/arm.
• Pain intensity of 2 on the NRS and presence of at least one latent trigger point in a taut band in the neck region.

Exclusion criteria

• Recent trauma to the cervical region
• Exclusion criteria based on with any serious pathology such as specific neck pain due to disc prolapsed, tumor of cervical spine, whiplash injury, cervical fractures, Cervicogenic headache, and any neurological signs consistent with nerve root compression

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Group A (Intervention)

Experimental group

Description:

To start Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique with deep breathing, individuals will be trained to sit in a comfortable position with or without eyes opening. It will involve relaxing neck muscles through a two-step process. First, participants will be commanded to tense the particular SCM and upper trapezius muscle by active contraction along with deep breathing (deeply and slowly inhaling through the nose). Then, they will be commanded to squeeze the muscles as hard as they can, holding for 5-10 seconds, after that employees will be asked to relax the muscle for 10-15 seconds while relaxing the muscle employees will be asked to exhale slowly through the mouth (5 repetitions for each side). Intervention will be given for 30 minutes for 6 days a week for 2 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique

Group B (Control)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Muscle Energy Technique with deep breathing * Trapezius Muscle: The therapist will position the patient supine, supporting the back of the patient's head with one hand and placing the other on the clavicle. The head will be bent forward, rotated, and bent toward the same side to test for flexibility, and then brought midway between the initial and fully rotated positions. The patient will breathe in, hold their breath, and perform isometric (20% of max force) while the therapist provides resistance for 6-7 seconds, followed by a stretch during exhalation, to be repeated 3-4 times. * Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: The patient will be supine with a cushion under the shoulder, tilting the head slightly back. The therapist will place one hand on the mastoid and the other on the sternum. The patient will rotate the head to the opposite side, lift it while holding breath while the therapist provides resistance for 6-7 second

Treatment:

Other: Muscle Energy Technique