Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Myofascial Trigger Point has been described as a hyperirritable spot located in a taut band of muscle; which is painful to palpation or compression and refers pain, tenderness, or an autonomic response to a remote area. Purpose: the aim of this study was to compare between low frequency, high intensity burst-Transcutaneous Electrical nerve Stimulation combination therapy and medium frequency, low intensity amplitude modulated frequency Interferential Therapy on upper trapezius active myofascial trigger points. Subjects and Methods: Single-blinded randomized controlled trial design was used. Seventy participants with acute mechanical neck pain and more than two active myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius were allocated randomly into three groups: Group (A): The Burst transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combination therapy group consisted of (23) patients with mean age, weight, height and BMI values of (34.39±5.92) years, (77.47 ± 19.93) Kg, (163.73±11.69) cm and (28.5±4.85) kg/m2 respectively. Group (B): The amplitude modulated frequency combination therapy group consisted of (25) patients with mean age, weight, height and BMI values of (34.88±5.67) years, (78.64±17.99) Kg,(167.92±10.22) cm and (27.5±3.71) kg/m2 respectively. Lastly, Group (C): the sham combination therapy control group consisted of (22) patients with mean age, weight, height and BMI values of (35.18±5.56) years (88.59±19.09) Kg,(167.5±13.83) cm and (31.3±3.93) kg/m2 respectively. All groups received progressive pressure release and passive stretch for the upper trapezius muscle, 3 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks. Primary measurement outcome included pressure pain threshold using an electronic digital algometer. Secondary outcome included active cervical lateral flexion using a smart phone Clinometer application. Data was collected prior to the first treatment and at the end of the 4-week trial

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