Trigger Point Pain, MyofascialNCT07138807
Effect of MET vs Neck Calliet Exercises on Neck Pain and Disability in Nurses
A study testing Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Calliet exercise in people with Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study compares the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in managing mechanical neck pain and associated disability due to trapezius trigger points among nurses. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
- What is being tested?
- Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Calliet exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Aug 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 30 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Female nurses
- Between 18 and 30 years of age
- Having mechanical neck discomfort that is confined to the cervical or bilateral scapular regions (pain level must be 3-5 VAS)
- There must be at least one trigger point in trapezius muscle
- The participant must be ready to participate No clinical therapy for neck pain must have been performed in the preceding month
Who cannot join
- A recent medical history including surgery on the shoulder or neck
- Signs of myelopathy in the clinic or radiculopathy
- Diagnosed Fibromyalgia syndrome, psychiatric problems
- Pregnancy
- Cervical stenosis, malignancy (cervical, breast cancer)
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
Show all 12Show fewer
- Vestibulobasilar artery syndrome
- Whiplash injury
- Diagnosis of migraine
- Diabetes type I, systematic illness of cardio-respiratory system
- Congenital deformities affecting the spine, shoulders, and limbs
- Osteoporosis of cervical spine or cervical myeloma
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
The University of Faisalabad
Faisalabad, Punjab Province, 38000
Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, HOD Surgery
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Calliet Exercises on Mechanical Neck Pain and Disability Due to Trapezius Trigger Point Among Nurses
This study compares the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in managing mechanical neck pain and associated disability due to trapezius trigger points among nurses. A total of 38 female nurses were randomly assigned to two intervention groups, each receiving therapy for four weeks. Pain, cervical range of motion, and disability outcomes were assessed.
Read the detailed description
Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly neck pain, are highly prevalent among nurses due to repetitive strain, prolonged standing, and non-ergonomic work postures. One of the major contributors to mechanical neck pain is the presence of active myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle, which limit cervical range of motion (CROM) and increase disability.This single-blinded, randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in reducing mechanical neck pain and disability among nurses with trapezius trigger points. Thirty-eight participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received MET, and Group B performed Neck Calliet Exercises. Both groups also received TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy as a baseline treatment. Each participant received treatment three times per week for four weeks.
- Conditions
- Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
- Being tested
- Muscle Energy Technique, Neck Calliet exercise
- Keywords
- MET, Neck Calliet Exercise, Cervical ROM, VAS, NDI
- Medical subject headings
- Myofascial Pain Syndromes
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Muscle Energy TechniqueBehavioural
Participants in this group received Muscle Energy Techniques targeting the upper trapezius trigger points. Treatment was provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session included post-isometric relaxation techniques with stretching, along with baseline TENS therapy.Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises focusing on cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. Exercises were done under supervision, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. All participants also received baseline TENS therapy.
Neck Calliet exerciseOther
Neck Calliet exercise
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| MET Group | Experimental | Participants received Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS Receives: Behavioral: Muscle Energy Technique |
| Calliet Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS. Receives: Other: Neck Calliet exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity Pain Intensity Pain intensity
Change in neck pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measured before and after 4 weeks of intervention.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Functional Disability
Functional disability was evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Cervical Range of Motion
Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion) was measured using a universal goniometer pre- and post-intervention to assess changes in mobility.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Aug 2025
- Study start15 Aug 2025
- Primary completion30 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- 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 Trigger Point Pain, MyofascialStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fiza Tariq, University of Faisalabad
- Investigators
- Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, HOD Surgery, Principal investigator, The University of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07138807
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MET_Calliet_NeckPain_Nurses
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 17 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 12 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Calliet Exercises on Mechanical Neck Pain and Disability Due to Trapezius Trigger Point Among Nurses
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07138807
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MET_Calliet_NeckPain_Nurses
- Conditions
- Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
- Keywords
- MET, Neck Calliet Exercise, Cervical ROM, VAS, NDI
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Aug 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.
This study compares the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in managing mechanical neck pain and associated disability due to trapezius trigger points among nurses. A total of 38 female nurses were randomly assigned to two intervention groups, each receiving therapy for four weeks. Pain, cervical range of motion, and disability outcomes were assessed.
Detailed description
Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly neck pain, are highly prevalent among nurses due to repetitive strain, prolonged standing, and non-ergonomic work postures. One of the major contributors to mechanical neck pain is the presence of active myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle, which limit cervical range of motion (CROM) and increase disability.This single-blinded, randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in reducing mechanical neck pain and disability among nurses with trapezius trigger points. Thirty-eight participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received MET, and Group B performed Neck Calliet Exercises. Both groups also received TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy as a baseline treatment. Each participant received treatment three times per week for four weeks.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| MET Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Muscle Energy TechniqueParticipants received Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS |
| Calliet Exercise Group | Experimental | Other: Neck Calliet exerciseParticipants performed Neck Calliet Exercises for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Female nurses
- Between 18 and 30 years of age
- Having mechanical neck discomfort that is confined to the cervical or bilateral scapular regions (pain level must be 3-5 VAS)
- There must be at least one trigger point in trapezius muscle
- The participant must be ready to participate No clinical therapy for neck pain must have been performed in the preceding month
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- A recent medical history including surgery on the shoulder or neck
- Signs of myelopathy in the clinic or radiculopathy
- Diagnosed Fibromyalgia syndrome, psychiatric problems
- Pregnancy
- Cervical stenosis, malignancy (cervical, breast cancer)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Energy TechniqueParticipants in this group received Muscle Energy Techniques targeting the upper trapezius trigger points. Treatment was provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session included post-isometric relaxation techniques with stretching, along with baseline TENS therapy.Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises focusing on cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. Exercises were done under supervision, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. All participants also received baseline TENS therapy. | Behavioural | MET Group |
| Neck Calliet exerciseNeck Calliet exercise | Other | Calliet Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity Pain Intensity Pain intensity
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change in neck pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measured before and after 4 weeks of intervention.
Functional Disability
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Functional disability was evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.
1 secondary outcome
Cervical Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
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 12 Sep 2025.
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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.
Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, HOD Surgery principal investigator
The University of Faisalabad
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Calliet exercise in people with Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial, run by University of Faisalabad 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 5 inclusion and 12 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Sep 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?
Contact Fiza Tariq, MSPT (+923072933338, faizant741@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity Pain Intensity Pain intensity (time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks). The study lists 2 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 12 Sep 2025.