Clinical Research Directory

Dual Frequency Low-Level Laser Therapy in Myofascial Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether dual frequency low-level laser therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and increase neck movement in patients with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. The study includes men and women aged 20 to 55 years who have been diagnosed with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does dual frequency low-level laser therapy reduce pain more effectively than single wavelength laser therapy? * Does dual frequency low-level laser therapy improve functional ability and cervical range of motion more than other treatments? Researchers compared three groups of participants receiving different treatments to evaluate their effects. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: * Group A received red wavelength low-level laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy * Group B received infrared low-level laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy * Group C received dual frequency low-level laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy All participants received treatment twice weekly for four weeks. Conventional therapy included stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and postural correction.

Immediate Effects of Shock Wave Therapy With Stretching or Isometric Contraction on Upper Trapezius

Excessive use of smart devices and prolonged sitting posture in modern daily life can lead to potential hypertonicity and functional impairment of the upper trapezius even in healthy individuals. Such conditions may cause functional changes and discomfort before the onset of pain, and early intervention may help prevent the progression to musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the immediate effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) applied simultaneously with stretching or isometric contraction on muscle tone, stiffness, thickness, pressure pain threshold, and grip strength of the upper trapezius in healthy adults. Participants will be divided into two groups : rESWT + stretching and rESWT + isometric contraction. Immediate changes in the upper trapezius will be compared before and after the interventions. rESWT will be applied to the upper trapezius with 1.0 bar pressure, 10 Hz frequency, and 1000 shocks.

Imaging Metabolic and Perfusion Changes in Acupuncture Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This study will evaluate the clinical and biological effects of acupuncture for chronic low back pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). In this randomized, participant- and assessor-blinded clinical trial, 64 adults with chronic low back pain due to MPS will be assigned to receive either true acupuncture or sham acupuncture for eight weeks. Participants will undergo total-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (TB-PET/CT) imaging and complete standardized pain and functional questionnaires at baseline and after treatment. The study will evaluate whether acupuncture improves pain and function compared with sham treatment and whether TB-PET/CT imaging can detect changes in myofascial tissue metabolism and perfusion that correspond with clinical outcomes.

High-Intensity Laser Therapy for Trapezius Myofascial Pain (HILT-TRAP Study)

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of optimized High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) compared with sham treatment in patients with trapezius myofascial pain syndrome. Outcomes include pain intensity, cervical range of motion, functional disability, and depressive symptoms measured at baseline, post-intervention, and 16-week follow-up.

EMG-Based Evaluation of Occlusal Splint and Masseter Botox Effects on Head and Neck Muscles

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the individual and combined effects of occlusal splint therapy and botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections into the masseter muscle on the activity of head and neck muscles in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). MPS is a common subtype of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), frequently involving the masticatory and cervical muscles. Despite various treatment modalities, there is still no universally accepted protocol. In this study, 56 adult participants of both sexes, without missing teeth and within a normal body mass index (BMI) range, will be randomly assigned to four groups: BTX-A injection only, occlusal splint only, combined BTX-A and splint therapy, and an untreated control group. Surface electromyography (EMG) will be used to assess muscle activity in the masseter, temporalis, sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, and trapezius muscles. EMG recordings will be performed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Pain levels and symptom severity will be assessed using the DC/TMD symptom questionnaire and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). BTX-A injections will be administered by a neurology specialist (20 IU per masseter muscle), and occlusal splints will be custom-fabricated and fitted for each participant. This study seeks to determine the neuromuscular effects of these treatments-both alone and in combination-on masticatory and cervical muscles and to provide insight into the development of more comprehensive and effective treatment strategies for MPS.