Effect of Algometric Pressure Release versus Post Isometric Relaxation on Myofascial Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of Algometric pressure release (APR) versus Post isometric relaxation (PIR) on pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, range of motion, proprioception, muscle activity and neck functional abilities in subjects with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in upper trapezius.Methods: Sixty patients (18-30 years) with active MTrPs in the upper trapezius were assigned randomly into 3 equal groups. Study group (1) received algometric pressure release and conventional physical therapy (CPT), Study group (2) received post isometric relaxation plus CPT, while the group control received conventional treatment alone. The frequency of intervention was 3 visits a week for 4 weeks. Pain intensity level, pain pressure threshold (PTT), cervical range of motion (CROM), proprioception, muscle activity, and the neck functions abilities were measured at baseline and after four weeks of interventions.Results: After four weeks of intervention, the APR group outperformed the PIR group with statistically significant enhancements in all outcome measures (p<0.05). The (mean± SD) of VAS were 16.75 ± 3.73, 29.75 ± 4.43, and 42.75 ± 5.73 mm for APR, PIR, and CPT, respectively. The (mean± SD) of NDI were 3.60 ± 1.14, 5.95 ± 1.27, and 7.75 ± 1.21 for APR, PIR and CPT groups, respectively.Conclusions: Algometric pressure release was more effective than the PIR in decreasing pain, improving ROM, cervical proprioception, muscle activity, and neck functions abilities in subjects with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points.