BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023 Jun 3;24(1):457. doi: 10.1186/s12891-023-06540-5.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) versus myofascial release therapy (MRT) on college students with chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP).
METHODS: Thirty-three college students with a mean age of 21.33 ± 0.98 involved in distance learning due to the Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19) restriction were randomized to receive either IASTM on the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles or MRT. Researchers measured their pain with a visual analog scale (VAS), function with neck disability index (NDI), and pain pressure threshold (PPT) with a pressure algometer. The subjects received eight therapy sessions over four weeks and outcome measures were assessed pre and post-intervention. The study was registered as a clinical trial on clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT05213871).
RESULT: Unpaired t-test showed no statistical significance between the two groups post-intervention regarding improvement in pain, function, and PPT (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: This study showed insignificant differences between groups. However, we did not use a control group, indicating that the improvement in outcomes may not have been caused by the intervention.
STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental two groups pre-posttest clinical trial.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 2b.
PMID:37270471 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-023-06540-5
