Comparing the effects of Kinesiology Taping and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on upper trapezius pain

KINESIOTAPING VERSUS INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION ON UPPER TRAPEZIUS MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL Kinesiotaping (KT) is a Non-invasive Method to Treat Musculoskeletal Disorders. it is Non-invasive, Painless, and Less Time-consuming Than Other Options With Fewer Side Effects. IASTM is a Traditional Chinese Therapy Known as "Guasha". IASTM is a Simple and Practical Technique

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT06899685

This study is testing whether Kinesiology Taping or Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization works better to relieve pain for young adults with upper trapezius muscle issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 23 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Banī Suwayf)
Trial IDNCT06899685 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the differences in effectiveness between Kinesiology Taping (KT) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on individuals suffering from upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. It aims to measure outcomes such as pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, cervical range of motion, functional disability, and patient satisfaction. The study will involve fifty participants aged 18 to 23, who will receive either KT or IASTM treatment. The results will help determine which intervention is more beneficial for alleviating symptoms associated with myofascial pain syndromes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18 to 23 with unilateral upper trapezius myofascial trigger points and a normal BMI.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cervical spine issues, malignancies, or other significant health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into more effective treatment options for patients with myofascial pain syndromes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying degrees of success with similar interventions, but this specific comparison of KT and IASTM is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- 1) Fifty subjects with age ranged from 18 to 23 years old (Formen et al., 2014).

2\) From both genders with normal BMI ranges between 18.5:24.9 kg/m2. Had MTrPs of unilateral UT muscle (Shamseldeen et al., 2023).

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. History of whiplash injury (Emshi et al., 2021). 2. History of head, neck, cervical spine or shoulder surgery (Emshi., et al 2021) 3. History of cervical radiculopathy (Emshi et al., 2021) 4. Patients with malignancy (Shamseldeen et al., 2023). 5. Cervical spine fractures (Shamseldeen et al., 2023). 6. Myelopathy (Shamseldeen et al., 2023). 7. Having undergone physical therapy within the past three months before the study.

  8\. Non - rheumatologic diseases as multiple sclerosis, thyroid dysfunction and chronic infection.

  9\. Rheumatologic condition as poly-articular osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and advanced cervical spine degenerative diseases.

  10\. Presence of skin diseases (Luz Júnior et al., 2015). 11. Pregnancy (Luz Júnior et al., 2015).

Where this trial is running

Banī Suwayf

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Myofacial Pain Syndromes
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.