Using Different Amplitude-modulated Frequencies of IFC for the Treatment of Trigger Points

University of Hail

Status: Completed

Conditions: Trigger Point Pain

Treatments: Other: interferential current

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05892991

H-2023-289

Details and patient eligibility

About

the authors of this work will conduct a randomized controlled trial intended to examine different amplitude-modulated frequencies of interferential current on different measures related to chronic trigger points located in the upper trapezius muscle.

Full description

this randomized controlled trial was designed to fill a gap in the literature regarding the most effective amplitude-modulated frequency of interferential current on pain pressure threshold, cervical ROM, and function of the neck region.

this study will be consisted of 4 groups, all groups will receive standard manual treatment commonly used for the treatment of chronic trigger points. this treatment will be conducted 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The standard treatment will consist of an intermittent neuromuscular inhibition technique.

the 3 experimental groups will receive interferential current sessions (3/week) for 4 weeks with the same parameters except for the amplitude-modulated frequency.

outcome measurements will be assessed at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 4 weeks of the end of the treatment (follow-up).

Enrollment: 132 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 17 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• males or females,
• 17 - 50 years of age,
• unilateral pain in the cervical, neck, and upper shoulder, pain persists for 3 months or more,
• pain should be not less than 2 on the visual analog scale (VAS),
• having positive signs of chronic (latent) trigger point(s) in the upper trapezius muscle

Exclusion criteria

• cervical and or shoulder pathologies such as disc lesions, arthritis, or compression problems.
• neurological symptoms in the upper limb such as radiculopathy.
• previous cervical, thoracic, or shoulder surgery.
• regular sports practice.
• heavy work-related activities.
• trauma to the cervical spine (whiplash injury).
• osteoporosis.
• complex regional pain syndrome.
• thoracic outlet syndrome
• regular analgesic drugs.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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132 participants in 4 patient groups

standard physical therapy group

Active Comparator group

Description:

this group will receive 4 physical therapy sessions per week for 4 weeks. The session will consist of intermittent neuromuscular inhibition which is composed of 3 manual approaches (positional release, muscle energy technique, and progressive pressure release).

Treatment:

Other: interferential current

amplitude modulated frequency (AMF) 130Hz group

Experimental group

Description:

1. Chattanooga (Intellect© Advanced, USA) multi-current device will be used to apply the IFC sessions. Carrier frequency 4000Hz, 2 pole placement (pre-modulated), the intensity will be raised till the patient feels a strong but comfortable tingling sensation, AMFs 130. Two vacuum electrodes of medium size will be placed at both sides of the trigger point. The duration of the session will be 30 minutes and will be repeated 3 times per week for 4 weeks. 2. standard physical therapy treatment as in the first group

Treatment:

Other: interferential current

amplitude modulated frequency (AMF) 80Hz group

Experimental group

Description:

1. Chattanooga (Intellect© Advanced, USA) multi-current device will be used to apply the IFC sessions. Carrier frequency 4000Hz, 2 pole placement (pre-modulated), the intensity will be raised till the patient feels a strong but comfortable tingling sensation, AMFs 80Hz. Two vacuum electrodes of medium size will be placed at both sides of the trigger point. The duration of the session will be 30 minutes and will be repeated 3 times per week for 4 weeks. 2. standard physical therapy treatment as in the first group

Treatment:

Other: interferential current

amplitude modulated frequency 4Hz group

Experimental group

Description:

1. Chattanooga (Intellect© Advanced, USA) multi-current device will be used to apply the IFC sessions. Carrier frequency 4000Hz, 2 pole placement (premodulated), the intensity will be raised till muscle twitching is visible under electrodes, AMFs 4 Hz. Two vacuum electrodes of medium size will be placed at both sides of the trigger point. The duration of the session will be 30 minutes and will be repeated 3 times per week for 4 weeks. 2. standard physical therapy treatment as in the first group

Treatment:

Other: interferential current