MET versus Neck Calliet exercises for neck pain in nurses
Official title: Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Calliet Exercises on Mechanical Neck Pain and Disability Due to Trapezius Trigger Point Among Nurses
Run by University of Faisalabad · NCT07138807 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Faisalabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Faisalabad, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | September 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07138807 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.