Clinical trial NCT05892991: Using Different Amplitude-modulated Frequencies of IFC for the Treatment of Trigger Points
Official title: Influence of Using Different Amplitude Modulated Frequencies on the Effectiveness of Interferential Current in Treating Trapezius Trigger Points: a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Trigger Point Pain
Lead sponsor: University of Hail
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2023-06-07
Enrollment: 132
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 17
Maximum age (years): 50
Standard ages: CHILD
ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: 4 arms will receive treatment for 4 weeks
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: 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.

Detailed 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).

Eligibility criteria: 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.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Active Range of motion (AROM) for cervical spine.
timeFrame: at baseline
measure: Active Range of motion (AROM) for cervical spine.
timeFrame: at 4 weeks
measure: Active Range of motion (AROM) for cervical spine.
timeFrame: at 4 weeks after the end of the treatment (follow-up)
measure: Pain pressure threshold by pressure algometer
timeFrame: at baseline
measure: Pain pressure threshold by pressure algometer
timeFrame: at 4 weeks
measure: Pain pressure threshold by pressure algometer
timeFrame: at 4 weeks after the end of the treatment (follow-up)
measure: Function using neck disability index
timeFrame: at baseline
measure: Function using neck disability index
timeFrame: at 4 weeks
measure: Function using neck disability index
timeFrame: at 4 weeks after the end of treatment (follow-up)
measure: number of painful episode in the trapezius muscle
timeFrame: at baseline
measure: number of painful episode in the trapezius muscle
timeFrame: at 4 weeks
measure: number of painful episode in the trapezius muscle
timeFrame: at 4 weeks after the end of treatment (follow-up)
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Hail
country: Saudi Arabia
facility: Hisham Hussein
city: Hail
country: Saudi Arabia
facility: University of Hail
Study officials:
References: