Trapezius MyalgiaIASTMNCT07720544
Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Post - Isometric Relaxation Technique in Trapezius Myalgia.
A study testing IASTM and Post isometric relaxation in people with Trapezius Myalgia, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing function among individuals with trapezius myalgia. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Trapezius Myalgia
- What is being tested?
- IASTM and Post isometric relaxation
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Apr 2025to 30 Jun 2026
- 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 25 to 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals aged 25 to 35 experiencing trapezius myalgia,
- both men and women who report neck pain and stiffness,
- Limited range of motion in lateral neck bending and rotational movement.
- Presence of identifiable tender areas or trigger points within the trapezius muscle, Evidence of muscle tightness observed during mobility assessments, such as when performing lateral head tilt.
- A firm band of muscle tissue containing a hypersensitive point, often with a palpable nodule and potential for radiating discomfort.
Who cannot join
- Traumatic injury to the neck causing torticollis,
- Tumor affecting the upperportion of the trapezius muscle,
- Cervical nerverootirritation or damage, Break in one or more cervical vertebrae,
- Impairment of nervous system function,
- Swelling and hypersensitivity reactions in the skin,
- Abnormal spinal curvature and birth-related structural defects.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Arif memorial teaching hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
About this study
Official title: Effects of Instrument -Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Post - Isometric Relaxation Technique on Pain,Range of Motion, and Function in Patients With Trapezius Myalgia.
effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing function among individuals with trapezius myalgia.
it was a randomized clinical trial with outcome measuring tools as NPRS for pain Goniometer for ROM NDI for function
Read the detailed description
A randomized clinical trial was carried out over ten months at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital in Lahore. The study included 48 participants aged between 25 and 35 years, selected through non-probability convenience sampling; 44 completed the full treatment. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 22 each using a lottery method. Group A underwent IASTM combined with passive and self-stretching exercises, while Group B received the PIR technique. Both interventions were administered three times weekly for six weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, a universal goniometer to measure cervical lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to evaluate functional limitations. Evaluations were performed before treatment and again at the end of the six-week intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-25, involving the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess normality, independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests for intergroup comparisons, and paired t-tests along with Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests for intragroup analysis.
- Conditions
- Trapezius Myalgia
- Being tested
- IASTM, Post isometric relaxation
- Keywords
- Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, post-isometric relaxation, Trapezius myalgia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
IASTMOther
IASTM intervention was administered three times weekly for six weeks.
Post isometric relaxationOther
PIR intervention was administered three times weekly for six weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| GROUP 1 (Intrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) | Experimental | IASTM (Members of this group received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in addition to a standard intervention aimed at reducing pain and enhancing range of motion and functional ability.) Receives: Other: IASTM |
| GROUP 2(Post isometric relaxation) | Active comparator | Post isometric relaxation(The members of this group underwent post-isometric relaxation combined with the same standard protocol, with the same goals of alleviating pain and improving mobility and function.) Receives: Other: Post isometric relaxation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
The pain intensity was assessed using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) an 11-point (0-10) tool used to measure a patient's pain intensity, where 0 means "no pain" and 10 means "the worst pain imaginable
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Range of Motion
ROM was measured using goniometer
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Neck Disability Index
The functions of neck was assessed using Neck Disability Index (NDI); The NDI is a 10-item patient-reported questionnaire designed to assess how neck pain affects daily activities such as personal care, lifting, reading, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreation. Each item is scored from 0 (no difficulty) to 5 (maximum difficulty), giving a total raw score ranging from 0 to 50. The raw score is often converted to a percentage to standardize interpretation: NDI Percentage = (Total Score ÷ 50) × 100
Measured: baseline and after 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Jul 2026
- Study start1 Apr 2025
- Primary completion30 May 2026
- Study completion30 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Trapezius MyalgiaStudies 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
- Model description
- GroupA(InstrumentAssistedSoftTissueMobilizationTechniqueGroup) Members of this group received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in addition to a standard intervention aimed at reducing pain and enhancing range of motion and functional ability. GroupB(PostIsometricRelaxationTechniqueGroup) The members of this group underwent post-isometric relaxation combined with the same standard protocol, with the same goals of alleviating pain and improving mobility and function.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Saba Rafiq, PhD*, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07720544
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0144
- Acronym
- IASTM
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 22 Jul 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 22 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Instrument -Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Post - Isometric Relaxation Technique on Pain,Range of Motion, and Function in Patients With Trapezius Myalgia.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07720544
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IASTM / REC/RCR&AHS/25/0144
- Conditions
- Trapezius Myalgia
- Keywords
- Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, post-isometric relaxation, Trapezius myalgia
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 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.
effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) in reducing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing function among individuals with trapezius myalgia.
it was a randomized clinical trial with outcome measuring tools as NPRS for pain Goniometer for ROM NDI for function
Detailed description
A randomized clinical trial was carried out over ten months at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital in Lahore. The study included 48 participants aged between 25 and 35 years, selected through non-probability convenience sampling; 44 completed the full treatment. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 22 each using a lottery method. Group A underwent IASTM combined with passive and self-stretching exercises, while Group B received the PIR technique. Both interventions were administered three times weekly for six weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, a universal goniometer to measure cervical lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to evaluate functional limitations. Evaluations were performed before treatment and again at the end of the six-week intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-25, involving the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess normality, independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests for intergroup comparisons, and paired t-tests along with Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests for intragroup analysis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- GroupA(InstrumentAssistedSoftTissueMobilizationTechniqueGroup) Members of this group received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in addition to a standard intervention aimed at reducing pain and enhancing range of motion and functional ability. GroupB(PostIsometricRelaxationTechniqueGroup) The members of this group underwent post-isometric relaxation combined with the same standard protocol, with the same goals of alleviating pain and improving mobility and function.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| GROUP 1 (Intrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) | Experimental | Other: IASTMIASTM (Members of this group received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in addition to a standard intervention aimed at reducing pain and enhancing range of motion and functional ability.) |
| GROUP 2(Post isometric relaxation) | Active comparator | Other: Post isometric relaxationPost isometric relaxation(The members of this group underwent post-isometric relaxation combined with the same standard protocol, with the same goals of alleviating pain and improving mobility and function.) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Individuals aged 25 to 35 experiencing trapezius myalgia,
- both men and women who report neck pain and stiffness,
- Limited range of motion in lateral neck bending and rotational movement.
- Presence of identifiable tender areas or trigger points within the trapezius muscle, Evidence of muscle tightness observed during mobility assessments, such as when performing lateral head tilt.
- A firm band of muscle tissue containing a hypersensitive point, often with a palpable nodule and potential for radiating discomfort.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Traumatic injury to the neck causing torticollis,
- Tumor affecting the upperportion of the trapezius muscle,
- Cervical nerverootirritation or damage, Break in one or more cervical vertebrae,
- Impairment of nervous system function,
- Swelling and hypersensitivity reactions in the skin,
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 |
|---|---|---|
| IASTMIASTM intervention was administered three times weekly for six weeks. | Other | GROUP 1 (Intrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) |
| Post isometric relaxationPIR intervention was administered three times weekly for six weeks. | Other | GROUP 2(Post isometric relaxation) |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
The pain intensity was assessed using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) an 11-point (0-10) tool used to measure a patient's pain intensity, where 0 means "no pain" and 10 means "the worst pain imaginable
2 secondary outcomes
Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Neck Disability Index
Time frame: baseline and after 6 weeks
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 22 Jul 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.
Saba Rafiq, PhD* 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 IASTM and Post isometric relaxation in people with Trapezius Myalgia, 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 5 inclusion and 6 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 22 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 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?
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?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks). 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 22 Jul 2026.