Effects of Manual IC With and Without SCS on SCM Tightness With FHP

Sponsor
Riphah International University (Other)
Overall Status
Recruiting
CT.gov ID
NCT06108882
Collaborator
(none)
42
1
2
8
5.2

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Manual Ischemic Compression with and without Strain Counterstrain technique on CVA, ROM, pain and disability among FHP individuals with SCM tightness.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
  • Other: Experimental: Manual Ischemic Compression with Strain Counter Strain technique
  • Other: Active Comparator: Manual Ischemic Compression
N/A

Detailed Description

Forward head posture is defined by excessive extension at upper cervical spine(C1-C3) and flexion at lower cervical spine (C4-C7) that increases cranial rotation angle and decreases craniovertebral angle (CVA) because of the altered relative position of the head with respect to the line of gravity. The bubble inclinometer is a gravity-based tool used to measure the cervical range of motion and to assess SCM muscle length. FHP also leads to muscles imbalance and SCM tightness as well. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) are most frequently used to quantify pain intensity and NDI for neck disability.

A RCT study compare the effects of IC and SCS in patients with upper trapezius trigger points. For four weeks, the therapy was given three days a week. As an outcome indicator, the NPRS, NDI, and cervical lateral flexion were used. The outcome measures were evaluated at baseline, after the second week, and after the fourth week: The ischemic compression and strain counterstrain intervention, which lasted for four weeks, significantly improved cervical range of motion, reduced pain intensity, and reduced cervical disability. However, the intergroup comparison revealed that both interventions were equally effective, and none of them outperformed the others.

Most of the studies compared digital ischemic compression as a common treatment with dry needling or other soft tissue mobilizations specially to treat trapezius trigger points but there are few studies specifically investigating comparative effects of Manual Ischemic Compression with and without Strain Counterstrain for management purpose of muscle tightness in individuals with FHP. While various treatment options exist for FHP, limited research directly compares the comparative outcomes of Strain Counterstrain and Ischemic Compression techniques. Due to lack of comparative evidence regarding the efficacy of these specific interventions, there is a need to bridge this gap by investigating and comparing the effectiveness of these interventions by using highly reliable and valid outcome measures in order to provide healthcare professionals and individuals with evidence-based guidance for optimal FHP management and SCM tightness.

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Anticipated Enrollment :
42 participants
Allocation:
Randomized
Intervention Model:
Parallel Assignment
Masking:
Single (Participant)
Primary Purpose:
Treatment
Official Title:
Effects of Manual Ischemic Compression With and Without Strain Counter Strain Technique on Sternocleidomastoid Tightness With Forward Head Posture
Actual Study Start Date :
May 8, 2023
Anticipated Primary Completion Date :
Dec 8, 2023
Anticipated Study Completion Date :
Jan 8, 2024

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Experimental: Manual Ischemic Compression with Strain Counter Strain technique

Participants in this group will receive Manual Ischemic Compression with Strain Counter Strain technique.

Other: Experimental: Manual Ischemic Compression with Strain Counter Strain technique
The duration of intervention will be 6 weeks, 3 sessions a week, a total of 18 sessions will be given to the study participants. Each session will last for 30 to 45 minutes.

Active Comparator: Manual Ischemic Compression

Participants in this group will receive only Manual Ischemic Compression

Other: Active Comparator: Manual Ischemic Compression
The duration of intervention will be 6 weeks, 3 sessions a week, a total of 18 sessions will be given to the study participants. Each session will last for 30 to 45 minutes.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

  1. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) [6 weeks]

    Changes from baseline Numeric pain rating scale is The 11-point scale used to capture the patient's level of pain. The scale is anchored on the left with the phrase ''no pain'' and on the right with the phrase ''worst imaginable pain.'' Patients rate their current level of pain and their worst and least amount of pain in the last 24 hours.

  2. Neck disability index (NDI) [6 weeks]

    Changes from baseline the NDI is a self-report questionnaire with 10 items: Pain intensity, personal care, lifting, work, headaches, concentration, sleeping, driving, reading and recreation. The response to each item is rated on a six-point scale from 0 (no disability) to 5 (complete disability). The numeric responses for each item are summed for a total score ranging between 0 and 50; however, some evaluators have chosen to multiply the raw score by 2 and then report the NDI on a 0-100% scale. Higher scores represent increased levels of related disability among the participants The maximum score is 50. In which 0 to 4 indicates no disability 5 to 14 = mild, 15 to 24 = moderate, 25 to 34 = severe and Above 34 = complete disability(57).

  3. The bubble inclinometer [6 weeks]

    Changes from baseline bubble inclinometer is a gravity-based tool used to measure the cervical range of motion and to assess SCM muscle length based on Kendall's description of muscle length testing principles in which the therapist maximally lengthens the muscle from origin to insertion by stabilizing one end, then slowly elongate the muscle, and then assess the end feel.

  4. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) [6 weeks]

    Changes from baseline To assess the head position of the subjects, the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured. The craniovertebral angle is identified as the intersection of a horizontal line passing through the C7 spinous process and a line joining the midpoint of the tragus of the ear to the skin overlying the C7 spinous process. CVA angle less than 51 is considered as FHP.

  5. Modified goniometer [6 weeks]

    Changes from baseline the measurement of craniovertebral angle is from C7 spinous process to tragus of ear by modified goniometer. The craniovertebral angle can be assessed by using modified goniometer to get an accurate estimation of head posture. The modified goniometer was constructed by attaching a perpendicular rod at the fulcrum of half circle universal goniometer, posteriorly. .

  6. Neck ROM [6 weeks]

    Changes from baseline, neck ROM will be taken with the help of goniometer.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study:
25 Years to 40 Years
Sexes Eligible for Study:
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
No
Inclusion Criteria:
  • Neck pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale >3)

  • Craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 51

  • Shortened SCM muscle

Exclusion Criteria:
  • Neck pain with whiplash or headache, neurological disorder

  • History of previous head, neck, cervical spine or shoulder surgery

  • Infection or inflammatory arthritis in the cervical spine

  • History of cervical radiculopathy

  • Diagnosed fibromyalgia and myopathy

  • History of cancer

Contacts and Locations

Locations

Site City State Country Postal Code
1 Amina Physiotherapy and Rehab Center, Nusrat Rashid Medical Complex Lahore Punjab Pakistan 54000

Sponsors and Collaborators

  • Riphah International University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Saba Rafique, Masters, Riphah International University

Study Documents (Full-Text)

None provided.

More Information

Publications

Responsible Party:
Riphah International University
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT06108882
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • REC/RCR & AHS/23/0147
First Posted:
Oct 31, 2023
Last Update Posted:
Oct 31, 2023
Last Verified:
Oct 1, 2023
Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:
No
Plan to Share IPD:
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product:
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product:
No
Keywords provided by Riphah International University
Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Study Results

No Results Posted as of Oct 31, 2023