Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization versus myofascial release therapy in treatment of chronic neck pain: a randomized clinical trial

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023 Jun 3;24(1):457. doi: 10.1186/s12891-023-06540-5.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) versus myofascial release therapy (MRT) on college students with chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP).

Methods: Thirty-three college students with a mean age of 21.33 ± 0.98 involved in distance learning due to the Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19) restriction were randomized to receive either IASTM on the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles or MRT. Researchers measured their pain with a visual analog scale (VAS), function with neck disability index (NDI), and pain pressure threshold (PPT) with a pressure algometer. The subjects received eight therapy sessions over four weeks and outcome measures were assessed pre and post-intervention. The study was registered as a clinical trial on clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT05213871).

Result: Unpaired t-test showed no statistical significance between the two groups post-intervention regarding improvement in pain, function, and PPT (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed insignificant differences between groups. However, we did not use a control group, indicating that the improvement in outcomes may not have been caused by the intervention.

Study design: Quasi-experimental two groups pre-posttest clinical trial.

Level of evidence: Therapy, level 2b.

Keywords: Manual therapy; Neck pain; Physical therapy.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19*
  • Chronic Pain* / diagnosis
  • Chronic Pain* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes* / therapy
  • Myofascial Release Therapy
  • Neck Pain / diagnosis
  • Neck Pain / therapy
  • Pain Threshold
  • Young Adult

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05213871