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Combined Therapy and Jones Technique for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points
Sponsor: Isabel de Almeida Paz
Summary
Myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle are a common cause of neck pain and may negatively affect pressure pain threshold, upper limb function, sleep quality, and quality of life. This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of the Jones Technique, combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation \[TENS\]), their combination, and a sham intervention in women with active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. The primary outcome was pressure pain threshold. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, upper limb disability, sleep quality, quality of life, physical activity level, and participant satisfaction.
Official title: Clinical Effects of Combined Therapy, Jones Technique, and Their Combination in Women With Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points: A Four-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2024-10-07
Completion Date
2024-12-20
Last Updated
2026-07-10
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Jones Technique
Manual therapy technique applied to active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Participants were positioned in prone lying, and sustained pressure with positional release was applied to each trigger point for 90 seconds. Five trigger points were treated during a single treatment session.
Combined Therapy (Therapeutic Ultrasound + TENS)
Combined therapy consisting of pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz, 20% duty cycle, 1.0 W/cm²) delivered simultaneously with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS; biphasic asymmetric waveform, 200 μs pulse duration, 100 Hz). Treatment was applied to five active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points during a single 10-minute session.
Combined Therapy + Jones Technique
Participants received the Jones Technique followed immediately by combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation \[TENS\]) during a single treatment session.
Sham Intervention
Participants underwent sham treatment consisting of inactive combined therapy with the device turned off and a simulated Jones Technique performed without therapeutic pressure.
Locations (1)
Physical Therapy Teaching Clinic, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS)
São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil