Trapezius Muscle StrainNCT07037147
To Compare the Efficacy of Instrument Assisted STM vs BT in Alleviating Pain and Tightness of Trapezius Muscle
A study testing instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation and Bowen technique in people with Trapezius Muscle Strain, run by Superior University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Trapezius muscle pain and tightness are common musculoskeletal issues that can significantly impair movement and quality of life. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Bowen Therapy are gaining attention as non-invasive treatments for myofascial pain and tension. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Trapezius Muscle Strain
- What is being tested?
- instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation and Bowen technique
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 26 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 4 Mar 2025to 30 Sep 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age from 18 to 50 years
- Both gender
- Bilateral trapezius muscle tightness assessed by palpation.
- Subject with the presence of myofacial trigger points in upper trapezius muscle assessed on palpation.
- Patient with symptoms for the past two weeks.
- People with pain of neck due to tight muscle more than 3 on VAS.
Who cannot join
- Participant with any fracture of cervical spine or surgery within the 6 month timespan.
- Participant with radiating neck pain towards the upper extremity.
- People with other conditions like disc prolapse, spondylolisthesis, tb of spine etc.
- People with any instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation technique contraindication.
- People with whiplash injury history.
- Participant who has been diagnosed with myopathy or fibromyalgia.
- Pregnant females who has already gone under myofacial therapy within the past month.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: To Compare the Efficacy of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization vs Bowen Therapy in Alleviating Pain and Tightness of Trapezius Muscle
Trapezius muscle pain and tightness are common musculoskeletal issues that can significantly impair movement and quality of life. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Bowen Therapy are gaining attention as non-invasive treatments for myofascial pain and tension.
Read the detailed description
It will be single blinded randomized clinical trial (RCT). The study will be conducted on 26 participants which will be categorized into two groups. Group one will be given IASTM and group two will receive Bowen technique. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used for data collection at physiotherapy department at Fatima memorial hospital followed by lottery method of allocation of groups. Data will be collected by using visual analogue scale, goniometer and neck disability index.
- Conditions
- Trapezius Muscle Strain
- Being tested
- instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation, Bowen technique
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisationCombination product
In this group instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation will be given followed by conventional therapy. IASTM will be given by using IASTM tool M2T blade. In this process patient will be asked to sit in a chair by resting its forearm in front of the table.
Bowen techniqueCombination product
In this group Bowen technique will be given after the basic conventional therapy. For this technique patient will be asked to lie in a prone position where the neck of the patient will be supported with the help of a small pillow. Therapist thumb will be placed on the affected side of the muscle.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation | Experimental | Not described Receives: Combination Product: instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation |
| Bowen technique | Experimental | Not described Receives: Combination Product: Bowen technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual Analogue Scale
Visual analogue scale is known pain assessment scale which was introduced by Hayes and Patterson in 1921. Its scoring range is from 0 to 10 where 0 shows no pain, 5 shows moderate pain and 10 shows worst pain.
Measured: 6 Months
Neck Disability Index
Neck pain disability index is used for the disability of the neck or the impact of neck pain on a person. This 10 item questionnaire is used to assess the patient overall quality of life as well as the personal ability to perform activities of daily living.
Measured: 6 Months
Neck Disability Index
Neck disability index is used for the disability of the neck or the impact of neck pain on a person. This 10 item questionnaire is used to assess the patient overall quality of life as well as the personal ability to perform activities of daily living.
Measured: 6 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Jun 2025
- Study start4 Mar 2025
- Primary completion1 Jun 2025
- Study completion30 Sep 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Trapezius Muscle StrainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Superior UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Superior University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muhammad Naveed Babur, Superior University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07037147
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- DPT/Batch-Fall20/1007
- Status last verified
- Jun 2025
- First submitted
- 17 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 25 Jun 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Jun 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- To Compare the Efficacy of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization vs Bowen Therapy in Alleviating Pain and Tightness of Trapezius Muscle
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07037147
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DPT/Batch-Fall20/1007
- Conditions
- Trapezius Muscle Strain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Superior UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Trapezius muscle pain and tightness are common musculoskeletal issues that can significantly impair movement and quality of life. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Bowen Therapy are gaining attention as non-invasive treatments for myofascial pain and tension.
Detailed description
It will be single blinded randomized clinical trial (RCT). The study will be conducted on 26 participants which will be categorized into two groups. Group one will be given IASTM and group two will receive Bowen technique. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used for data collection at physiotherapy department at Fatima memorial hospital followed by lottery method of allocation of groups. Data will be collected by using visual analogue scale, goniometer and neck disability index.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation | Experimental | Combination Product: instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation |
| Bowen technique | Experimental | Combination Product: Bowen technique |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age from 18 to 50 years
- Both gender
- Bilateral trapezius muscle tightness assessed by palpation.
- Subject with the presence of myofacial trigger points in upper trapezius muscle assessed on palpation.
- Patient with symptoms for the past two weeks.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Participant with any fracture of cervical spine or surgery within the 6 month timespan.
- Participant with radiating neck pain towards the upper extremity.
- People with other conditions like disc prolapse, spondylolisthesis, tb of spine etc.
- People with any instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation technique contraindication.
- People with whiplash injury history.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisationIn this group instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation will be given followed by conventional therapy. IASTM will be given by using IASTM tool M2T blade. In this process patient will be asked to sit in a chair by resting its forearm in front of the table. | Combination product | instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation |
| Bowen techniqueIn this group Bowen technique will be given after the basic conventional therapy. For this technique patient will be asked to lie in a prone position where the neck of the patient will be supported with the help of a small pillow. Therapist thumb will be placed on the affected side of the muscle. | Combination product | Bowen technique |
Primary outcome
Visual Analogue Scale
Time frame: 6 Months
Visual analogue scale is known pain assessment scale which was introduced by Hayes and Patterson in 1921. Its scoring range is from 0 to 10 where 0 shows no pain, 5 shows moderate pain and 10 shows worst pain.
Neck Disability Index
Time frame: 6 Months
Neck pain disability index is used for the disability of the neck or the impact of neck pain on a person. This 10 item questionnaire is used to assess the patient overall quality of life as well as the personal ability to perform activities of daily living.
Neck Disability Index
Time frame: 6 months
Neck disability index is used for the disability of the neck or the impact of neck pain on a person. This 10 item questionnaire is used to assess the patient overall quality of life as well as the personal ability to perform activities of daily living.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Jun 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Trapezius Muscle Strain
Not yet recruiting
Kinesio Taping for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points
Myofascial Pain Syndromes, Myofascial Trigger Point Pain
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation and Bowen technique in people with Trapezius Muscle Strain, run by Superior University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jun 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Visual Analogue Scale (time frame: 6 Months). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Jun 2025.