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Effect of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Trapezius Trigger Point
Sponsor: Bahçeşehir University
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) compared to ischemic compression (trigger point massage) and exercise in treating trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Ninety participants aged 18-55 with at least two trigger points were randomly assigned to three groups: nVNS, ischemic compression, or exercise (control). Interventions were administered over 10 sessions (3 times per week). Outcomes included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), trigger point number, pain pressure threshold (algometer), neck function (Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale, KBFÖS), well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), and functional mobility. The nVNS group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all outcomes compared to the other groups (p \< 0.05).
Official title: A Comparative Study on the Effect of Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Ischemic Compression on Trapezius Trigger Points
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 55 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
90
Start Date
2025-01-15
Completion Date
2025-06-25
Last Updated
2025-07-01
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS)
Arm 1 (Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS)) is an experimental intervention, as it tests a novel approach (non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation) for trigger point treatment.
Ischemic Compression
Arm 2 (Ischemic Compression) is an active comparator, as it uses a standard treatment (trigger point massage) commonly applied for myofascial pain.
Exercise (Control)
Arm 3 (Exercise (Control)) is explicitly labeled as the control group in your document, using a standard exercise program, which aligns with an active comparator (since it's an active intervention rather than a placebo or no intervention).
Locations (1)
Bahçeşehir University, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Istanbul, Helthy, Turkey (Türkiye)