Clinical Research Directory

Predictors of Pressure Pain Thresholds

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether office-related strain risk, head and neck working posture, and weekly screen time predict the mean pressure pain threshold (PPT) at latent trigger points (LTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle among office workers. A secondary aim was to examine relationships among LTrP characteristics, ergonomic risk factors, postural parameters, and demographic variables. Inclusion criteria: Ages 25-44 years, BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m², presence of at least one LTrP in the upper trapezius Exclusion criteria: Active trigger points, history of head/neck/shoulder surgery, pain medication use in last 24 hours, recent myofascial pain treatment Assessments Conducted: Demographics \& Time Variables: Age, gender, BMI, years of employment, weekly screen time (phone + computer), daily sitting time LTrP Identification: Manual pincer palpation by experienced physiotherapist (12 years experience) PPT Measurement: Calibrated Baseline Algometer at the most painful LTrP and a non-trigger point site Ergonomic Risk: Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) Postural Assessment: Photogrammetry measuring: Craniocervical Angle (CCA) Cervicothoracic Angle (CTA) All assessments were conducted one hour after participants started working to allow for postural adaptation.

Emmett Technique Versus Bowen Technique for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This randomized clinical trial compares the Emmett Technique and Bowen Therapy for patients with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome, focusing on their effects on pain, cervical range of motion, and functional disability. The study includes 46 participants, randomly allocated into two groups of 23: Group A receives the Emmett Technique with conventional physiotherapy, while Group B receives Bowen Therapy with conventional physiotherapy. Outcomes are assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Universal Goniometer before and after treatment. The study aims to determine which manual therapy provides greater improvement in pain reduction, cervical mobility, and functional ability.

Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling, Lidocaine Injection, and Oxygen-Ozone Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing ultrasound-guided dry needling, lidocaine injection, and oxygen-ozone injection in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the upper trapezius muscle. 76 participants received weekly injections/needling for 3 sessions plus a standardized home exercise program, with clinical (pain, function, sleep, quality of life) and ultrasonographic (tissue imaging, blood flow waveform) outcomes assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 12.