Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)rESWTNCT07609173
Immediate Effects of Shock Wave Therapy With Stretching or Isometric Contraction on Upper Trapezius
A study testing Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Stretching and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric Contraction in people with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), run by Sahmyook University at 1 site in South Korea.
Trial summary
Excessive use of smart devices and prolonged sitting posture in modern daily life can lead to potential hypertonicity and functional impairment of the upper trapezius even in healthy individuals. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
- What is being tested?
- Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Stretching and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric Contraction
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSouth Korea
- Study dates
- 20 Sep 2025to 25 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 19 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals with no history of neck or shoulder pain in the past 6 months
- Individuals with no history of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders
- Individuals with a pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the upper trapezius ≥ 263 kPa
Who cannot join
- Individuals with a history of neurological or orthopedic disorders
- Individuals taking medications that may affect ESWT response
- Individuals with local skin conditions, including ulcers or open wounds
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
South Korea1 site
73, Bungmun-daero 419beon-gil, Gwangju health university
Gwangju, 62287
About this study
Official title: The Immediate Effects of Simultaneous Application of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Stretching or Isometric Contraction on Muscle Tone, Stiffness, Thickness, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Grip Strength of the Upper Trapezius
Excessive use of smart devices and prolonged sitting posture in modern daily life can lead to potential hypertonicity and functional impairment of the upper trapezius even in healthy individuals. Such conditions may cause functional changes and discomfort before the onset of pain, and early intervention may help prevent the progression to musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the immediate effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) applied simultaneously with stretching or isometric contraction on muscle tone, stiffness, thickness, pressure pain threshold, and grip strength of the upper trapezius in healthy adults.
Participants will be divided into two groups : rESWT + stretching and rESWT + isometric contraction. Immediate changes in the upper trapezius will be compared before and after the interventions. rESWT will be applied to the upper trapezius with 1.0 bar pressure, 10 Hz frequency, and 1000 shocks.
- Conditions
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
- Being tested
- Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Stretching, Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric Contraction
- Keywords
- Stretching, Isometric Contraction, Upper Trapezius, ESWT
- 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.
Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and StretchingOther
Participants will sit on a chair and receive rESWT with gel applied to the upper trapezius. A 20 mm rESWT applicator angled at 90° will be applied to the muscle belly and the musculotendinous junction. The intensity will be set at 1.0 bar pressure, 10 Hz frequency, with 1000 shocks.
When rESWT is applied to the upper trapezius, participants will sit on a chair and repeatedly bend the neck diagonally to stretch the muscle, then return to the neutral position.
Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric ContractionOther
Participants will sit on a chair and receive rESWT with gel applied to the upper trapezius. A 20 mm rESWT applicator angled at 90° will be applied to the muscle belly and the musculotendinous junction. The intensity will be set at 1.0 bar pressure, 10 Hz frequency, with 1000 shocks.
When rESWT is applied to the upper trapezius, participants will sit on a chair and maintain a shoulder elevation posture during the intervention.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| experimental 1 group | Active comparator | Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Stretching Receives: Other: Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Stretching |
| experimental 2 group | Active comparator | Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric Contraction Receives: Other: Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric Contraction |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Muscle Tone
Upper trapezius muscle stiffness will be assessed as dynamic stiffness (N/m) using the MyotonPRO device (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). The probe will be positioned perpendicular to the skin over the belly of the upper trapezius muscle. After a pre-load of approximately 0.18 N, 10 mechanical impulses of approximately 0.4 N at 1 Hz will be delivered. Measurements will be repeated 3 times, and the mean value will be used for analysis. Change from baseline will be calculated as the immediate post-intervention value minus the baseline value.
Measured: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
Muscle Stiffnes
Upper trapezius muscle stiffness will be assessed as dynamic stiffness (N/m) using the MyotonPRO device (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). The probe will be positioned perpendicular to the skin over the belly of the upper trapezius muscle. After a pre-load of approximately 0.18 N, 10 mechanical impulses of approximately 0.4 N at 1 Hz will be delivered. Measurements will be repeated 3 times, and the mean value will be used for analysis. Change from baseline will be calculated as the immediate post-intervention value minus the baseline value.
Measured: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
Muscle Thickness
The probe of the ultrasound imaging device is placed perpendicular to the target area without applying any pressure after applying a water-based transmission gel, in order to measure muscle thickness. Then, using a 2.5 MHz ultrasound, strong echoes at tissue interfaces are focused, and the distance between the focused points is converted into millimeters to determine tissue thickness.
Measured: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
Grip Strength
Grip strength is measured using a wireless dynamometer. The participant holds the dynamometer with the arm relaxed, the elbow flexed at 90°, the arm slightly away from the torso, and the wrist in a neutral position. Following the researcher's instructions, the participant exerts maximum force. The measurement is repeated three times, and the average value is recorded.
Measured: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
Pressure Pain
The participant sits upright with the back supported by a wall or chair and feet flat on the floor. A pressure algometer with a 1 cm² rubber tip is placed perpendicular to the same muscle belly measured by the Myoton PRO. The researcher applies gradual pressure at a constant rate of 0.5 kg/cm²/s until the participant reports pain, and the value at the point of reported pain is recorded. The measurement is repeated twice, and the average value is used.
Measured: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 May 2026
- Study start20 Sep 2025
- Primary completion10 Oct 2025
- Study completion25 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)Studies 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
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Sahmyook University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gukhwa Han, Sahmyook University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07609173
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SYU 2025-06-024-001
- Acronym
- rESWT
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 11 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 27 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- 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 27 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Immediate Effects of Simultaneous Application of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Stretching or Isometric Contraction on Muscle Tone, Stiffness, Thickness, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Grip Strength of the Upper Trapezius
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07609173
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- rESWT / SYU 2025-06-024-001
- Conditions
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
- Keywords
- Stretching, Isometric Contraction, Upper Trapezius, ESWT
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Sahmyook UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 27 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.
Excessive use of smart devices and prolonged sitting posture in modern daily life can lead to potential hypertonicity and functional impairment of the upper trapezius even in healthy individuals. Such conditions may cause functional changes and discomfort before the onset of pain, and early intervention may help prevent the progression to musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the immediate effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) applied simultaneously with stretching or isometric contraction on muscle tone, stiffness, thickness, pressure pain threshold, and grip strength of the upper trapezius in healthy adults.
Participants will be divided into two groups : rESWT + stretching and rESWT + isometric contraction. Immediate changes in the upper trapezius will be compared before and after the interventions. rESWT will be applied to the upper trapezius with 1.0 bar pressure, 10 Hz frequency, and 1000 shocks.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| experimental 1 group | Active comparator | Other: Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and StretchingRadial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Stretching |
| experimental 2 group | Active comparator | Other: Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric ContractionRadial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric Contraction |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals with no history of neck or shoulder pain in the past 6 months
- Individuals with no history of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders
- Individuals with a pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the upper trapezius ≥ 263 kPa
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals with a history of neurological or orthopedic disorders
- Individuals taking medications that may affect ESWT response
- Individuals with local skin conditions, including ulcers or open wounds
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and StretchingParticipants will sit on a chair and receive rESWT with gel applied to the upper trapezius. A 20 mm rESWT applicator angled at 90° will be applied to the muscle belly and the musculotendinous junction. The intensity will be set at 1.0 bar pressure, 10 Hz frequency, with 1000 shocks. When rESWT is applied to the upper trapezius, participants will sit on a chair and repeatedly bend the neck diagonally to stretch the muscle, then return to the neutral position. | Other | experimental 1 group |
| Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric ContractionParticipants will sit on a chair and receive rESWT with gel applied to the upper trapezius. A 20 mm rESWT applicator angled at 90° will be applied to the muscle belly and the musculotendinous junction. The intensity will be set at 1.0 bar pressure, 10 Hz frequency, with 1000 shocks. When rESWT is applied to the upper trapezius, participants will sit on a chair and maintain a shoulder elevation posture during the intervention. | Other | experimental 2 group |
Primary outcome
Muscle Tone
Time frame: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
Upper trapezius muscle stiffness will be assessed as dynamic stiffness (N/m) using the MyotonPRO device (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). The probe will be positioned perpendicular to the skin over the belly of the upper trapezius muscle. After a pre-load of approximately 0.18 N, 10 mechanical impulses of approximately 0.4 N at 1 Hz will be delivered. Measurements will be repeated 3 times, and the mean value will be used for analysis. Change from baseline will be calculated as the immediate post-intervention value minus the baseline value.
Muscle Stiffnes
Time frame: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
Upper trapezius muscle stiffness will be assessed as dynamic stiffness (N/m) using the MyotonPRO device (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia). The probe will be positioned perpendicular to the skin over the belly of the upper trapezius muscle. After a pre-load of approximately 0.18 N, 10 mechanical impulses of approximately 0.4 N at 1 Hz will be delivered. Measurements will be repeated 3 times, and the mean value will be used for analysis. Change from baseline will be calculated as the immediate post-intervention value minus the baseline value.
Muscle Thickness
Time frame: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
The probe of the ultrasound imaging device is placed perpendicular to the target area without applying any pressure after applying a water-based transmission gel, in order to measure muscle thickness. Then, using a 2.5 MHz ultrasound, strong echoes at tissue interfaces are focused, and the distance between the focused points is converted into millimeters to determine tissue thickness.
Grip Strength
Time frame: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
Grip strength is measured using a wireless dynamometer. The participant holds the dynamometer with the arm relaxed, the elbow flexed at 90°, the arm slightly away from the torso, and the wrist in a neutral position. Following the researcher's instructions, the participant exerts maximum force. The measurement is repeated three times, and the average value is recorded.
Pressure Pain
Time frame: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.
The participant sits upright with the back supported by a wall or chair and feet flat on the floor. A pressure algometer with a 1 cm² rubber tip is placed perpendicular to the same muscle belly measured by the Myoton PRO. The researcher applies gradual pressure at a constant rate of 0.5 kg/cm²/s until the participant reports pain, and the value at the point of reported pain is recorded. The measurement is repeated twice, and the average value is used.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 May 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. 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 Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Stretching and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Isometric Contraction in people with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), run by Sahmyook University at 1 site in South Korea.
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 3 inclusion and 3 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 May 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 South Korea. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
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?
Muscle Tone (time frame: Post-intervention measurement is conducted immediately after the intervention to assess immediate effects.). The study lists 5 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 27 May 2026.