Myofascial Pain SyndromeNCT07573527
Effectiveness of Tele-Rehabilitation in Managing Rhomboid Trigger Points in Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome
A study testing Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release) and Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment in people with Myofascial Pain Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation, including self-myofascial release and exercise therapy, in reducing pain, improving functional range of motion, and decreasing neck disability in patients with rhomboid trigger points associated with myofascial pain syndrome. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release) and Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 5 Aug 2026to Feb 2027
- 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 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants falling in this category would be recruited into the study.
- Age 18-35 years
- Both Genders: Male and Female
- Paitents experiencing Neck and upper back pain due to active trigger points.(16) According to Travell and Simons (1999)criteria, active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are identified.
- NPRS ≥4
- Presence of maximum one or more than one MTrPs in the Romboids muscle.
- Prolong sitting at least 6 hours per day.
- Access to a device with internet connection ( for tele rehabilitation group).
Who cannot join
- Participants falling in this category would be excluded from the study.
- Participants fall in this category would be excluded of the study.
- Patients currently taking analgesics (painkillers) or muscle relaxants.
- Any inflammatory pathology, neurological impairment, and cervical tumor.
- Other deformities such as scoliosis or torticollis.
- Spinal Injuries and any other co morbidity.
Show all 10Show fewer
- Any surgery, trauma, fracture and fall.
- Pregnancy.
- Patient unwilling to comply follow up schedule.
- Patient involvement in another interventional study.
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
JPMC
Karachi, Sindh
maria khalid, MSOMPT, 03315369768, maria.khalid@riphah.edu.pk
Rameeqa Aamir, MSOMPT*
About this study
This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation, including self-myofascial release and exercise therapy, in reducing pain, improving functional range of motion, and decreasing neck disability in patients with rhomboid trigger points associated with myofascial pain syndrome.
Read the detailed description
Rhomboid myofascial pain syndrome is a common yet often underreported musculoskeletal condition characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points within the rhomboid muscles. These trigger points produce localized and referred pain, reduced range of motion, and functional limitations that can significantly affect daily activities. The condition is strongly associated with poor posture, prolonged sitting, and repetitive upper limb activities, particularly among individuals with sedentary lifestyles and high occupational demands. Evidence indicates a high prevalence of rhomboid trigger points, with many individuals experiencing moderate pain that interferes with their routine work and overall quality of life.
Biomechanically, sustained postural stress such as forward head posture and rounded shoulders increases the load on scapular stabilizing muscles, leading to muscle fatigue, microtrauma, and the development of trigger points. These changes contribute to altered scapular kinematics, muscle imbalance, and restricted movement. Self-myofascial release techniques have been shown to reduce pain sensitivity, improve circulation, and restore muscle function, making them an effective approach for managing myofascial pain.
Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as a practical and accessible method for delivering physiotherapy interventions remotely, allowing patients to perform guided exercises and self-myofascial release without the need for frequent in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to healthcare services.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation, incorporating self-myofascial release and exercise therapy, in reducing pain intensity, improving functional range of motion, and decreasing neck disability in patients with rhomboid trigger points associated with myofascial pain syndrome. The study also seeks to determine the feasibility of tele-rehabilitation as a convenient and sustainable alternative to conventional physiotherapy for managing rhomboid-related musculoskeletal pain.
- Conditions
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Being tested
- Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release), Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment
- Keywords
- Tele-rehabilitation, Myofascial Release, Self-Myofascial Release,, Rhomboid Trigger Points, Neck Pain, Postural Correction, cervical retraction, scapular retraction, Upper Trapezius & Levator Scapulae Stretch
- Medical subject headings
- Myofascial Pain Syndromes, Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release)Other
- Self-Myofascial Release: Using a tennis ball against the wall targeting rhomboid region (5 mintues in total).
- Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions).
- Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions).
- Postural and ergonomic education .
- Mode of Delivery: Live/video-guided tele-rehabilitation sessions.
Conventional Myofascial Release TreatmentOther
- Manual Myofascial Release: Therapist performe myofascial release on rhomboid trigger points.( 5 mintues in total)
- Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions).
- Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions).
- Postural and ergonomic education .
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Tele-rehabilitation (Exercise Therapy + Self-Myofascial Release) | Experimental | 1. Self-Myofascial Release: Using a tennis ball against the wall targeting rhomboid region (5 mintues in total).
2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions).
3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions).
4. Postural and ergonomic education .
5. Mode of Delivery: Live/video-guided tele-rehabilitation sessions. Receives: Other: Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release) |
| Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment | Other | 1. Manual Myofascial Release: Therapist performe myofascial release on rhomboid trigger points.( 5 mintues in total)
2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions).
3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions).
4. Postural and ergonomic education .
5. Mode of Delivery: In hospital treatment. Receives: Other: Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Inclinometer for functional range of motion
An inclinometer is a reliable and valid instrument used to measure cervical range of motion (ROM) in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. It provides objective and reproducible angular measurements of spinal movement. Studies have reported excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.85-0.98) for cervical motion assessment using a dual inclinometer.
Measured: 2 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a simple, reliable, and valid tool used to assess pain intensity. It consists of an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10.The NPRS shows strong construct and concurrent validity when compared with other established pain assessment tools.The NPRS has demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.95) is across various musculoskeletal and rehabilitation populations
Measured: 2 weeks
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a standardized questionnaire used to assess the impact of neck pain on daily activities. It consists of 10 items, each scored from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The NDI has shown excellent reliability (ICC = 0.89-0.94) and strong validity for evaluating functional limitations in patients with neck and upper back pain.
Measured: 2 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 May 2026
- Study start5 Aug 2026
- Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionFeb 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Myofascial Pain SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Maria khalid, MSOMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07573527
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/ Rameeqa Aamir 02435
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Aug 2026
- 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 6 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Tele-Rehabilitation in Managing Rhomboid Trigger Points in Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07573527
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/ Rameeqa Aamir 02435
- Conditions
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Keywords
- Tele-rehabilitation, Myofascial Release, Self-Myofascial Release,, Rhomboid Trigger Points, Neck Pain, Postural Correction, cervical retraction, scapular retraction
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Feb 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 7 May 2026 (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 randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation, including self-myofascial release and exercise therapy, in reducing pain, improving functional range of motion, and decreasing neck disability in patients with rhomboid trigger points associated with myofascial pain syndrome.
Detailed description
Rhomboid myofascial pain syndrome is a common yet often underreported musculoskeletal condition characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points within the rhomboid muscles. These trigger points produce localized and referred pain, reduced range of motion, and functional limitations that can significantly affect daily activities. The condition is strongly associated with poor posture, prolonged sitting, and repetitive upper limb activities, particularly among individuals with sedentary lifestyles and high occupational demands. Evidence indicates a high prevalence of rhomboid trigger points, with many individuals experiencing moderate pain that interferes with their routine work and overall quality of life.
Biomechanically, sustained postural stress such as forward head posture and rounded shoulders increases the load on scapular stabilizing muscles, leading to muscle fatigue, microtrauma, and the development of trigger points. These changes contribute to altered scapular kinematics, muscle imbalance, and restricted movement. Self-myofascial release techniques have been shown to reduce pain sensitivity, improve circulation, and restore muscle function, making them an effective approach for managing myofascial pain.
Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as a practical and accessible method for delivering physiotherapy interventions remotely, allowing patients to perform guided exercises and self-myofascial release without the need for frequent in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to healthcare services.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation, incorporating self-myofascial release and exercise therapy, in reducing pain intensity, improving functional range of motion, and decreasing neck disability in patients with rhomboid trigger points associated with myofascial pain syndrome. The study also seeks to determine the feasibility of tele-rehabilitation as a convenient and sustainable alternative to conventional physiotherapy for managing rhomboid-related musculoskeletal pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Tele-rehabilitation (Exercise Therapy + Self-Myofascial Release) | Experimental | Other: Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release)1. Self-Myofascial Release: Using a tennis ball against the wall targeting rhomboid region (5 mintues in total). 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . 5. Mode of Delivery: Live/video-guided tele-rehabilitation sessions. |
| Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment | Other | Other: Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment1. Manual Myofascial Release: Therapist performe myofascial release on rhomboid trigger points.( 5 mintues in total) 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . 5. Mode of Delivery: In hospital treatment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Participants falling in this category would be recruited into the study.
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Participants falling in this category would be excluded from the study.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release)1. Self-Myofascial Release: Using a tennis ball against the wall targeting rhomboid region (5 mintues in total). 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . 5. Mode of Delivery: Live/video-guided tele-rehabilitation sessions. | Other | Tele-rehabilitation (Exercise Therapy + Self-Myofascial Release) |
| Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment1. Manual Myofascial Release: Therapist performe myofascial release on rhomboid trigger points.( 5 mintues in total) 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . | Other | Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment |
Primary outcome
Inclinometer for functional range of motion
Time frame: 2 weeks
An inclinometer is a reliable and valid instrument used to measure cervical range of motion (ROM) in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. It provides objective and reproducible angular measurements of spinal movement. Studies have reported excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.85-0.98) for cervical motion assessment using a dual inclinometer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: 2 weeks
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a simple, reliable, and valid tool used to assess pain intensity. It consists of an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10.The NPRS shows strong construct and concurrent validity when compared with other established pain assessment tools.The NPRS has demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.95) is across various musculoskeletal and rehabilitation populations
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: 2 weeks
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a standardized questionnaire used to assess the impact of neck pain on daily activities. It consists of 10 items, each scored from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The NDI has shown excellent reliability (ICC = 0.89-0.94) and strong validity for evaluating functional limitations in patients with neck and upper back pain.
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 6 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Maria khalid, MSOMPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release) and Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment in people with Myofascial Pain Syndrome, run by Riphah International 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 8 inclusion and 10 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 6 Aug 2026. 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 Maria Khalid, MSOMPT (03315369768, maria.khaild@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Inclinometer for functional range of motion (time frame: 2 weeks). 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 6 Aug 2026.