Percutaneous Microelectrolysis (MEP) Versus Ischemic Compression in Miofascial Trigger Points

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The Percutaneous Microelectrolysis ® (MEP®) is a technique that employs a galvanic current up to 990 uA, which is applied percutaneously with an acupuncture needle connected to the cathode. Although it is used in tendinopathies, trigger points and muscle injuries, among other conditions, its bases are mostly empirical and there is lack of evidence. Ischemic compression is a manual therapy that is usually applied in muscle pain. Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) usually presents painful myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). One methodology used to quantify the pain in MPS is the algometry, which measures the pressure pain threshold (PPT). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of MEP® with ischemic compression on MTrPs with algometry.

Official Title
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Short Term Effects in Pressure-pain Threshold of Percutaneous Galvanic Microcurrent Versus Ischemic Compression in the Trapezius Trigger Points

Conditions
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Myofascial Trigger Point Pain

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: MEP
* Other: Ischemic compression


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers Between 18 to 30 years old. Who referred MTrP in the upper trapezious. PPT equal or less than 3 KgF/cm2 Exclusion Criteria: Being pregnant. Taking analgesic medication at least 24 hours before the intervention. Being in physical therapy treatment. Needle phobia.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Percutaneous Microelectrolysis (MEP)<br>Principal MTrP will be detected by digital palpation in the upper trapezius. Algometry will be used to determine if the Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) is equal or less than 3 KgF/cm2. If not, the patient will be not included. A mark will be done in the MTrP. MEP® will be applied with a 0,30 x 25 mm acupuncture needle. The needle will be introduced perpendicularly to the MTrP with 100 uA and then increased up to 600 uA. The current will be paused if the patient feels a burning sensation, pain or oppression, waiting up to the patient feels no discomfort. The procedure will be repeated as many times is necessary until the patient do not feel any discomfort for more than 1 minute. Algometry will be done immediately finished the intervention, after 10 minutes and at 24 hs. | Device: MEP<br>* MEP® will be applied with an acupuncture needle (0,30 x 25 mm). The needle will be introduced perpendicularly to the MTrP with 100 uA and then increased up to 600 uA. The current will be paused if the patient feels a burning sensation, pain or oppression, waiting up to the patient feels no discomfort. The procedure will be repeated as many times is necessary until the patient do not feel any discomfort for more than 1 minute.<br>* Other names: Percutaneous galvanic microcurrent;|
| Experimental: Ischemic compression<br>Principal MTrP will be detected by digital palpation in the upper trapezius. Algometry will be used to determine if the Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) is equal or less than 3 KgF/cm2. If not, the patient will be not included. A mark will be done in the MTrP with a marker. Ischemic compression will be applied perpendicularly to the MTrP, increasing gradually the pression until the patient refers the maximum tolerable pain. This pressure will be applied for 1 minute. Algometry will be done immediately finished the intervention, after 10 minutes and at 24 hs. | Other: Ischemic compression<br>* Ischemic compression will be applied perpendicularly to the MTrP, increasing gradually the pression until the patient refers the maximum tolerable pain. This pressure will be applied for 1 minute.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Preasure Pain Threshold (PPT) | Algometry is used to measure the Preasure Pain Threshold (PPT). PPT is defined as the minimum force applied which induces pain. It was applied in the Miofascial Trigger points. | 24 hours | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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galvanic current, electrolysis, myofascial trigger point, dry needling, percutaneous microelectrolysis, ischemic compression