Progressive muscle relaxation versus muscle energy technique for chronic neck pain in heavy computer users
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Vs Muscle Energy Technique on Nonspecific Neck Pain in Prolonged Computer Users. A Randomized Controlled Trial
This test will compare progressive muscle relaxation and muscle energy technique to see which better reduces chronic neck pain in people who use computers six or more hours a day.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IQRA University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Karachi, Sindh) |
| Trial ID | NCT06918535 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled comparison of progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) versus muscle energy technique (MET) delivered to desk-based computer users with nonspecific chronic neck pain. Sixty participants aged 20–45 with hypertonicity of the upper trapezius and SCM and at least one latent trigger point will be randomized to one of the two active interventions. Treatments and assessments are delivered in an outpatient/workplace-linked setting at the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with one blinded investigator performing screening, baseline, and post-treatment assessments. Outcomes will focus on changes in pain intensity and local muscle tension around identified trigger points.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 20–45 who use a computer at least six hours per day, have nonspecific chronic neck pain with hypertonic upper trapezius or SCM, at least one latent trigger point, and a pain score of ≥2 on the NRS are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with specific cervical conditions (disc prolapse, recent cervical trauma, fractures, whiplash, cervicogenic headache) or neurological signs of nerve root compression, and those who use computers less than six hours daily, are unlikely to benefit from these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better technique could reduce neck pain and muscle tightness and make prolonged computer work more comfortable.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small trials of PMRT and MET have reported mixed but sometimes favorable results for neck and musculoskeletal pain, though head-to-head comparisons in prolonged computer users are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Persons using computer more than 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently both genders. * Age between 20-45. * Hypertonicity of trapezius muscle and SCM muscle. Specifically, those workers have neck pain and stiffness (including trouble tilting or turning head). Patients who reported small tightening and spasm at the posterior aspect of their neck are included, also associated with more diffuse neck pain patterns that included the following: headache, (upper back, neck and shoulder pain) numbness/ tingling in the hand/arm. * Pain intensity of 2 on the NRS and presence of at least one latent trigger point in a taut band in the neck region. Exclusion Criteria: * Recent trauma to the cervical region * Exclusion criteria based on with any serious pathology such as specific neck pain due to disc prolapsed, tumor of cervical spine, whiplash injury, cervical fractures, Cervicogenic headache, and any neurological signs consistent with nerve root compression
Where this trial is running
Karachi, Sindh
- Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Syeda Waniya Riaz, PhD (scholar), MSAPT, DPT — IQRA University
- Study coordinator: Syeda Waniya Riaz, PhD (scholar), MSAPT, DPT
- Email: waniya.riaz@iqra.edu.pk
- Phone: +923352783584
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.