Author/Authors :
Amini Ameneh نويسنده Physiotherapy Department, Rehabilitation Faculty, Tabriz
University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran , Goljaryan Sakineh نويسنده Physiotherapy Department, Rehabilitation Faculty, Tabriz
University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran , Shakouri Seyed Kazem نويسنده Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center,
Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR
Iran , Mohammadimajd Elaheh نويسنده Physiotherapy Department, Rehabilitation Faculty, Tabriz
University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
Abstract :
Background Positional release therapy (PRT) has been suggested as
an effective treatment for myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).
Considering the mechanism of PRT, a new modified technique, known as
Manual Passive Muscle Shortening (MPMS), is introduced for the treatment
of MTrPs. Objectives To compare the effects of MPMS and PRT on the
sensitivity of latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius and determine the
active cervical lateral flexion range. Methods In this double-blind
randomized controlled trial, 30 female university students, who were
identified with latent MTrPs of the upper trapezius, were recruited from
Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. The participants
were randomly allocated into experimental (n, 15) and control (n, 15)
groups. The experimental group was treated with the MPMS technique,
while the control group received PRT. The participants took part in 3
treatment sessions, as well as a follow-up session 1 week after the
third session. During each session, the second physiotherapist, who was
blind to the pretreatment information, applied the appropriate
technique. The visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold
(PPT), and bilateral active range of cervical lateral flexion were
recorded to assess the effects of treatment. The first physiotherapist,
who was blind to the treatment approach for the participants, recorded
the outcomes before treatment, during the first session, after treatment
(third session), and in the follow-up. Results A total of 30
participants were included in the data analysis. In the follow-up,
intergroup changes indicated a significant increase in PPT (P = 0.000),
a significant decrease in VAS scores (P = 0.002), and a significant
increase in the right lateral flexion (P = 0.012) in the experimental
group. Left lateral flexion also increased in this group, although it
was not statistically significant (P = 0.254). At the end of the study,
there were no significant differences between the groups (P >
0.05). Conclusions According to the results, both MPMS and PRT were
effective techniques in immediate pain relief of upper-trapezius MTrPs.
Therefore, MPMS may be used as a new technique in the treatment of
MTrPs.
