MET versus Neck Calliet exercises for neck pain in nurses
Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Calliet Exercises on Mechanical Neck Pain and Disability Due to Trapezius Trigger Point Among Nurses
This project tests whether Muscle Energy Technique (MET) or Neck Calliet exercises better reduce neck pain and disability in young female nurses with trapezius trigger points.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Faisalabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Faisalabad, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07138807 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-blinded randomized trial assigned 38 female nurses with active trapezius trigger points to receive either Muscle Energy Technique (MET) or Neck Calliet exercises, with both groups also receiving TENS as a baseline treatment. Interventions were delivered three times per week for four weeks. Outcomes measured before and after treatment included pain (VAS), cervical range of motion (CROM), and neck disability (NDI). The trial focused on mechanical neck pain related to myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are female nurses aged 18–30 with mechanical neck pain rated 3–5 on the VAS and at least one active trapezius trigger point who have not had neck treatment in the prior month.
Not a fit: Patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy, recent neck or shoulder surgery, systemic illnesses (like diabetes type I), fibromyalgia, cervical stenosis, pregnancy, whiplash, or other exclusions listed would be ineligible and are unlikely to benefit from these localized interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a simple hands-on or exercise approach that reduces neck pain and improves neck movement and daily function for affected nurses.
How similar studies have performed: Similar small randomized and physiotherapy studies have reported modest improvements with manual techniques and targeted neck exercises for myofascial neck pain, though results across studies are mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female nurses * Between 18 and 30 years of age * Having mechanical neck discomfort that is confined to the cervical or bilateral scapular regions (pain level must be 3-5 VAS) * There must be at least one trigger point in trapezius muscle * The participant must be ready to participate No clinical therapy for neck pain must have been performed in the preceding month Exclusion Criteria: * A recent medical history including surgery on the shoulder or neck * Signs of myelopathy in the clinic or radiculopathy * Diagnosed Fibromyalgia syndrome, psychiatric problems * Pregnancy * Cervical stenosis, malignancy (cervical, breast cancer) * Thoracic outlet syndrome * Vestibulobasilar artery syndrome * Whiplash injury * Diagnosis of migraine * Diabetes type I, systematic illness of cardio-respiratory system * Congenital deformities affecting the spine, shoulders, and limbs * Osteoporosis of cervical spine or cervical myeloma
Where this trial is running
Faisalabad, Punjab Province
- The University of Faisalabad — Faisalabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, HOD Surgery — The University of Faisalabad
- Study coordinator: Fiza Tariq, MSPT
- Email: faizant741@gmail.com
- Phone: +923072933338
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.