Myofascial Trigger PointsNCT07695402
Combined Therapy and Jones Technique for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points
A study testing Jones Technique, Combined Therapy (Therapeutic Ultrasound + TENS) and Combined Therapy + Jones Technique in people with Myofascial Trigger Points and Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, run by Isabel de Almeida Paz at 1 site in Brazil.
Trial summary
Myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle are a common cause of neck pain and may negatively affect pressure pain threshold, upper limb function, sleep quality, and quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Myofascial Trigger Points, Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Neck
- What is being tested?
- Jones Technique, Combined Therapy (Therapeutic Ultrasound + TENS) and Combined Therapy + Jones Technique
- Type of treatment
- Medical device, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteBrazil
- Study dates
- 7 Oct 2024to 20 Dec 2024
- 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 18 to 40 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Female participants aged 18 to 40 years.
- Presence of active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle for no longer than 12 weeks.
- Neck pain lasting less than 3 months.
- Pain intensity of at least 3 cm on the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other contraindications to electrotherapy.
- Pregnancy.
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease.
- Psychiatric disorders that could interfere with study participation.
- Thrombosis or coagulation disorders.
- History of tumors or neoplasms.
Show all 14Show fewer
- Physical therapy or myofascial treatment within the previous 3 weeks.
- Treatment for myofascial trigger points within the previous 3 months.
- Current use of analgesic medications.
- Cervical musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., cervical osteoarthritis or other cervical lesions).
- History of cervical trauma or surgery.
- Cervical spondylosis or spondylolisthesis with radiculopathy.
- Fibromyalgia or other systemic rheumatic diseases.
- Other musculoskeletal disorders that could interfere with the study outcomes.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Brazil1 site
Physical Therapy Teaching Clinic, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS)
São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul
About this study
Official title: Clinical Effects of Combined Therapy, Jones Technique, and Their Combination in Women With Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points: A Four-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial
Myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle are a common cause of neck pain and may negatively affect pressure pain threshold, upper limb function, sleep quality, and quality of life. This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of the Jones Technique, combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]), their combination, and a sham intervention in women with active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. The primary outcome was pressure pain threshold. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, upper limb disability, sleep quality, quality of life, physical activity level, and participant satisfaction.
Read the detailed description
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle are frequently associated with neck pain, reduced pressure pain threshold, and impaired upper limb function. Several conservative interventions have been proposed for the treatment of MTrPs; however, evidence comparing manual therapy and combined electrotherapy remains limited.
This single-center, randomized, sham-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial evaluated the effects of the Jones Technique and combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]) in women aged 18 to 40 years presenting with active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
Participants were randomly allocated (1:1:1:1) into four groups: (1) Jones Technique; (2) combined therapy; (3) combined therapy plus Jones Technique; and (4) sham control. Randomization was performed using block randomization stratified by age. Participants underwent a single treatment session.
Baseline assessments included demographic data, pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold measured with a pressure algometer, upper limb disability (DASH), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), quality of life (SF-36), and physical activity level (IPAQ). Immediately after the intervention, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and participant satisfaction were reassessed.
The primary outcome was pressure pain threshold. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, upper limb disability, sleep quality, quality of life, physical activity level, and participant satisfaction.
- Being tested
- Jones Technique, Combined Therapy (Therapeutic Ultrasound + TENS), Combined Therapy + Jones Technique, Sham Intervention
- Keywords
- Upper Trapezius, Jones Technique, Strain Counterstrain, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Jones TechniqueProcedure or surgery
Manual therapy technique applied to active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Participants were positioned in prone lying, and sustained pressure with positional release was applied to each trigger point for 90 seconds. Five trigger points were treated during a single treatment session.
Combined Therapy (Therapeutic Ultrasound + TENS)Device
Combined therapy consisting of pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz, 20% duty cycle, 1.0 W/cm²) delivered simultaneously with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS; biphasic asymmetric waveform, 200 μs pulse duration, 100 Hz). Treatment was applied to five active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points during a single 10-minute session.
Combined Therapy + Jones TechniqueCombination product
Participants received the Jones Technique followed immediately by combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]) during a single treatment session.
Sham InterventionProcedure or surgery
Participants underwent sham treatment consisting of inactive combined therapy with the device turned off and a simulated Jones Technique performed without therapeutic pressure.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Jones Technique | Experimental | Participants received a single session of the Jones Technique for the treatment of active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Receives: Procedure: Jones Technique |
| Combined Therapy | Experimental | Participants received a single session of combined therapy consisting of therapeutic ultrasound combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Receives: Device: Combined Therapy (Therapeutic Ultrasound + TENS) |
| Combined Therapy + Jones Technique | Experimental | Participants received the Jones Technique followed immediately by combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]) during a single treatment session. Receives: Combination Product: Combined Therapy + Jones Technique |
| Sham Control | Sham comparator | Participants underwent all study assessments and received sham treatment consisting of inactive combined therapy (device turned off) and a simulated Jones Technique without therapeutic pressure. Receives: Procedure: Sham Intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Pressure pain threshold assessed using a pressure algometer at five active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. The pressure pain threshold is recorded in kg/cm². Higher values indicate greater pressure tolerance and therefore a better outcome.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the intervention (single treatment session)
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS). Scores range from 0 to 10 cm, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate worse pain.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the intervention
Secondary outcomes (5)
Upper Limb Disability
Upper limb disability assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Scores range from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates no disability and 100 indicates the most severe disability. Higher scores indicate worse upper limb function.
Measured: Baseline
Sleep Quality
Sleep quality assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Total scores range from 0 to 21, where higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality.
Measured: Baseline
Quality of life
Quality of life assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Scores for each domain range from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate better health-related quality of life.
Measured: Baseline
Physical Activity Level
Physical activity level assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Participants are classified into low, moderate, or high physical activity levels based on the questionnaire scoring protocol. Higher physical activity classification indicates a better outcome.
Measured: Baseline
Participant Satisfaction
Participant satisfaction assessed immediately after treatment using a 7-point Likert scale. Scores range from 1 (strongly disagree/very dissatisfied) to 7 (strongly agree/very satisfied). Higher scores indicate greater participant satisfaction.
Measured: Immediately after the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Jul 2026
- Study start7 Oct 2024
- Primary completion20 Oct 2024
- Study completion20 Dec 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Myofascial Trigger PointsStudies 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
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Isabel de Almeida Paz
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Isabel de Almeida Paz, University of the Sinos Valley
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07695402
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 7.119.287
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 4 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Clinical Effects of Combined Therapy, Jones Technique, and Their Combination in Women With Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points: A Four-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07695402
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 7.119.287
- Keywords
- Upper Trapezius, Jones Technique, Strain Counterstrain, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Isabel de Almeida PazUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 7 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Dec 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Jul 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.
Myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle are a common cause of neck pain and may negatively affect pressure pain threshold, upper limb function, sleep quality, and quality of life. This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of the Jones Technique, combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]), their combination, and a sham intervention in women with active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. The primary outcome was pressure pain threshold. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, upper limb disability, sleep quality, quality of life, physical activity level, and participant satisfaction.
Detailed description
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle are frequently associated with neck pain, reduced pressure pain threshold, and impaired upper limb function. Several conservative interventions have been proposed for the treatment of MTrPs; however, evidence comparing manual therapy and combined electrotherapy remains limited.
This single-center, randomized, sham-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial evaluated the effects of the Jones Technique and combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]) in women aged 18 to 40 years presenting with active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
Participants were randomly allocated (1:1:1:1) into four groups: (1) Jones Technique; (2) combined therapy; (3) combined therapy plus Jones Technique; and (4) sham control. Randomization was performed using block randomization stratified by age. Participants underwent a single treatment session.
Baseline assessments included demographic data, pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold measured with a pressure algometer, upper limb disability (DASH), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), quality of life (SF-36), and physical activity level (IPAQ). Immediately after the intervention, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and participant satisfaction were reassessed.
The primary outcome was pressure pain threshold. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, upper limb disability, sleep quality, quality of life, physical activity level, and participant satisfaction.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Jones Technique | Experimental | Procedure: Jones TechniqueParticipants received a single session of the Jones Technique for the treatment of active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. |
| Combined Therapy | Experimental | Device: Combined Therapy (Therapeutic Ultrasound + TENS)Participants received a single session of combined therapy consisting of therapeutic ultrasound combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. |
| Combined Therapy + Jones Technique | Experimental | Combination Product: Combined Therapy + Jones TechniqueParticipants received the Jones Technique followed immediately by combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]) during a single treatment session. |
| Sham Control | Sham comparator | Procedure: Sham InterventionParticipants underwent all study assessments and received sham treatment consisting of inactive combined therapy (device turned off) and a simulated Jones Technique without therapeutic pressure. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Female participants aged 18 to 40 years.
- Presence of active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle for no longer than 12 weeks.
- Neck pain lasting less than 3 months.
- Pain intensity of at least 3 cm on the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other contraindications to electrotherapy.
- Pregnancy.
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease.
- Psychiatric disorders that could interfere with study participation.
- Thrombosis or coagulation disorders.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jones TechniqueManual therapy technique applied to active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Participants were positioned in prone lying, and sustained pressure with positional release was applied to each trigger point for 90 seconds. Five trigger points were treated during a single treatment session. | Procedure or surgery | Jones Technique |
| Combined Therapy (Therapeutic Ultrasound + TENS)Combined therapy consisting of pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz, 20% duty cycle, 1.0 W/cm²) delivered simultaneously with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS; biphasic asymmetric waveform, 200 μs pulse duration, 100 Hz). Treatment was applied to five active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points during a single 10-minute session. | Device | Combined Therapy |
| Combined Therapy + Jones TechniqueParticipants received the Jones Technique followed immediately by combined therapy (therapeutic ultrasound plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]) during a single treatment session. | Combination product | Combined Therapy + Jones Technique |
| Sham InterventionParticipants underwent sham treatment consisting of inactive combined therapy with the device turned off and a simulated Jones Technique performed without therapeutic pressure. | Procedure or surgery | Sham Control |
Primary outcome
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the intervention (single treatment session)
Pressure pain threshold assessed using a pressure algometer at five active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. The pressure pain threshold is recorded in kg/cm². Higher values indicate greater pressure tolerance and therefore a better outcome.
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the intervention
Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS). Scores range from 0 to 10 cm, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate worse pain.
5 secondary outcomes
Upper Limb Disability
Time frame: Baseline
Sleep Quality
Time frame: Baseline
Quality of life
Time frame: Baseline
Physical Activity Level
Time frame: Baseline
Participant Satisfaction
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention
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 14 Jul 2026.
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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 Jones Technique, Combined Therapy (Therapeutic Ultrasound + TENS) and Combined Therapy + Jones Technique in people with Myofascial Trigger Points and Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, run by Isabel de Almeida Paz at 1 site in Brazil.
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 14 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 14 Jul 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 Brazil. 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) (time frame: Baseline and immediately after the intervention (single treatment session)). 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 14 Jul 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.