Chronic myofascial neck pain (CMNP) is a painful non-articular musculoskeletal neck syndrome that is a persistent and prevalent with a high incidence of recurrence rate range 30-93%.Management of myofascial trigger points were directed at its deactivation, and prevention of its recurrence. Based on mechanical kinetic chain, the upper extremity functions as a unique system of connected segments those collaborated in a harmony in order to perform daily life activities. Core stability exercises maximize motor pathways mechanoreceptors' activities, as well scapular stabilization exercises are generally recommended based on reported benefits in terms of chronic neck pain. The relationship between chronic myofascial neck pain, and hand disability is quite strong. From mechanical point of view, core stability exercises improve trunk stability in line to enhance upper extremity efficiency that facilitates hand, and pinch grasping. In addition, scapular stabilization exercises could improve both hand, and pinch grasp strength and dexterity. Therefore, this randomized clinical trial will be conducted in line to clarify the superiority of the therapeutic effects between core stability exercises, scapular stabilization exercises, and conventional physical therapy program on hand grip strength, pinch grip strength, neck pain intensity level, pain pressure threshold, and whole upper extremity functional level in patients with chronic myofascial neck pain.
Patients diagnosed with chronic myofascial neck pain depending on referral, and physical examination.
Sixty patients diagnosed with chronic myofascial neck pain for more than six months.
Patients age range will 25-45 years
Patients body mass index (BMI) will be 18.5-24.9 kg/m2
Presence of signs of severe pathology such as malignancies, mainly of the cervical region.
Fracture of the cervical spine.
Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy.
Diabetes mellitus.
Parallel
Core Stability Exercise Protocol
Other interventionThe core stability exercise protocol will be conducted to experimental group (A), only. The core stability exercise protocol will be conducted for 40-45 minutes (10 minutes worm-up 'stretch exercises', 25 minutes core stabilization exercises, and 5-10 minutes cool down exercises 'stretch exercises') 3 sections/ week for six weeks 1\. Diaphragm Core '';360 degree expansion breathing, weighted breathing 2. Transverse abdominis 'Abdominal drawing in maneuver, supine vacuum, pelvic tilt'; 3. Multifidus 'quadruped altered leg/arm, bridge with leg extension'; 4. Pelvic Floor muscles/Kegel, bridging, and bridging dog, and squat Core stability exercise.
Scapular stabilization Exercise Protocol
Other interventionThe scapular stabilization exercise protocol will be conducted to experimental group (B), only. The core scapular stabilization exercise protocol will be conducted for 40-45 minutes (10 minutes worm-up 'stretch exercises', 25 minutes scapular stabilization exercises, and 5-10 minutes cool down exercises 'stretch exercises') 3 sections/ week for six weeks a. Open chain stabilization exercises 'scapular elevation/depression, upward/downward rotation', b. Static closed chain stabilization exercises 'Protected weight bearing through both hands leaning against wall', c. Dynamic closed chain stabilization exercises 'scapular retraction'
Traditional Physical Therapy Protocol
Other intervention1. Ischemic compression; apply an intermittent ischemic compression on the identified MTrPs within upper trapezius via the researcher thumb for ninety seconds. 2. Strain-counter strain; apply pressure at MTrPs within stretched upper trapezius, with patient will move the affected shoulder passively to 90° of abduction and external rotation for ninety seconds. 3. Muscle Energy Technique; patient will do lateral neck flexion to opposite side, and will maintained for 10 seconds, will apply thirty seconds of stretch for ipsilateral affected upper trapezius
Hand Grip Strength
Hand-held Dynamometer (SAMMONS PRESTON, INC. Bolingbrook, IL604404989) will be used to measure it. The patient will sit on a standard height chair with no armrest with his/ her forearm in a neutral position, and shoulder in adducted and neutral rotation, with elbow flexed 90 degrees (°). The patient will be requested to squeeze the ipsilateral hand on the hand grip dynamometer handle accordingly to the ordered verbs 'i.e., one, two, three, squeeze…harder, harder'. Three measures will be conducted with one minute a break in between, then the average will be recorded in value score.
Pinch Grip Strength
The pinch gauge (FEI, White plains, NY 10602, USA) will be used to measure the pinch grip strength, it is a valid and reliable tool. The patient will sit on a standard height chair with no armrest with his/ her shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist in a neutral position. The patient will be requested to squeeze the thumb pad as firm as possible against the lateral aspect of index fingers' middle phalanx, while the examiner will hold the distal end of the pinch gauge. Three measures will be conducted with one minute a break in between, then the average will be recorded in a score value.
Chronic Myofascial Neck Pain Intensity assessment using Numerical Pain Rating Scale:
Numerical Pain Rating Scale will be used to assess chronic myofascial neck pain intensity, The patient will be in a relaxed position then will be given the appendix which contains numerical pain rating scale. It involves a 0-10 scale, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable" The patient will be instructed to place a vertical mark on the line to indicate his/her pain.
Pressure Pain Threshold using electronic pressure algometer
The electronic pressure algometer 'force one gauge model FDI' (Wagner instruments, Greenwash, CT, USA) will be used to measure it, it is a valid and reliable tool. Over trigger point recognized via jump sign clinically, a dial-style pressure algometry will be installed while a steady vertical pressure will be applied. When the patient reported only mild pain, the patient will be asked to raise hand to indicate it. Three measures will be conducted with one minute a break in between, then average will be recorded in value.
Whole Upper Extremity Functional Level using Arabic-Q-DASH scale
The whole upper extremity functional level will be evaluated using Arabic-Q-DASH it is a valid and reliable tool. The Arabic-Q-DASH is like the original questionnaire. Items have a rating scale ranged from 1 to 5. The patient will be instructed to place a score that the examiner will transform it into a value between 0 and 100. The high score indicates better hand function outcomes with exception of pain, where high value indicates more intense pain score.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
