Muscle Energy Technique Versus Active Release Technique on Pain, Cervical Range Of Motion And Functional Disability
Condition: Upper Cross Syndrome
MeSH terms: Syndrome; Neck Pain
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The study will be a randomized controlled trial. This study will be conducted in The
      University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A sample size of 86 will be
      randomly allocated into two experimental groups,(43 participants in each group), by using
      computer-generated random number list method. The participants randomly allocated into two
      experimental, group A will receive Muscle energy technique (METs) specifically, Post
      isometric relaxation technique for upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, 1 set of 5
      repetitions and 10 seconds hold along with routine physical therapy as (Hot pack,
      transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, strengthening and stretching exercises).

      Experimental group B will be delivered Active Release Technique on both sides of levator
      scapulae and upper trapezius muscles 1 set of 5 repetitions along with routine physical
      therapy as (Hot pack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, strengthening and
      stretching exercises).

      Both experimental groups will receive twelve treatment sessions (3 sessions per week for 4
      weeks)
    

Detailed description: 
      Recruitment: Participants will be recruited and referred by orthopedic doctor from The
      University of Lahore Teaching Hospital to Physical Therapy Department.

      Randomization and Allocation: The participants after confirming the eligibility criteria will
      be randomly allocated into two experimental groups (Group A, Group B) by using computer
      generated random number list method.

      Blindness: The study will be single blinded, and an independent investigator will perform
      randomization and will inform the patients and the therapist about the allocation of
      participants and assessor will be blinded.

      Intervention: The participants will be randomly allocated into two experimental groups (Group
      A, Group B). Experimental Group A will receive Muscle energy technique (METs) specifically,
      Post isometric relaxation technique for upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, 1 set
      of 5 repetitions, and 10 seconds hold along with routine physical therapy as (Hot pack,
      transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, strengthening and stretching exercises).

      Experimental group B will be delivered Active Release Technique on both sides of levator
      scapulae and upper trapezius muscles 1 set of 5 repetitions along with routine physical
      therapy as (Hot pack, TENS, strengthening and stretching exercises).

      Duration:Both experimental groups will receive twelve treatment sessions (3 sessions per week
      for 4 weeks, each session of 35-45 minutes)

      Outcome Variables and Measures:

      Pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) Range of Motion (Universal Goniometer) Functional Disability
      (Neck disability Index Questionnaire) Outcome measures will be taken at baseline, end of 6th
      treatment session (2nd week), end of 12th session (4th week) and follow up will be obtained
      after 1 month (8th week) and then collected data will be analyzed.
    

Intervention name(s): Muscle Energy Technique; Active Release Technique
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Experimental: Muscle Energy Technique Post isometric relaxation: Patient will perform isometrics on upper trapezius and levator scapulae one by one. Each isometric contraction will be held for 10 seconds and then participants will be asked to relax the contraction with exhalation. This will be repeated five times in one session.
Routine Physical Therapy including TENS, Hot Pack, Strengthening, and stretching exercises will also be delivered along with Muscle energy technique.; Experimental: Active Release Technique: Therapist will apply deep pressure on both sides of levator scapulae and upper trapezius muscles (over the area of tenderness) and the patient is instructed to actively move the muscle from the shortened to a lengthened position and thereby breaking adhesions. 1 set of 5 repetitions in one session.
Routine Physical Therapy including TENS, Hot Pack, Strengthening, and stretching exercises will also be delivered along with Active Release Technique.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Upper Cross Syndrome