Effectiveness of Functional Magnetic Stimulation versus Conventional Physiotherapy in Myofascial Pain Syndrome of Upper Trapezius: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
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Background
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the upper trapezius is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), leading to pain, disability, and diminished quality of life. Traditional physiotherapy, despite its prevalence, frequently offers merely transient alleviation. Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS) is an innovative, non-invasive technique that elicits painless, repeated muscle contractions using pulsed electromagnetic fields, potentially targeting underlying pathology.
Objective
To evaluate the efficacy of Functional Magnetic Stimulation versus traditional physiotherapy in alleviating pain, enhancing cervical range of motion (ROM), and diminishing disability in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the upper trapezius.
Methods
This parallel-group, randomized controlled experiment enrolled 54 patients aged 18 to 45 years with active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either FMS therapy (Group A) or Conventional physiotherapy (Group B). Interventions were administered thrice weekly for a duration of three weeks. The primary outcome was pain severity measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary objectives encompassed cervical range of motion assessed with a goniometer and disability evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Evaluations were conducted at baseline and after three weeks by a blinded evaluator.
Conclusion
This study aims to provide protocol to evident the effectiveness of FMS relative to Conventional physiotherapy for the management of MPS. By overcoming the shortcomings of current therapies, FMS has the capacity to enhance patient outcomes in a timely and non-invasive fashion.
Trial registration:
The study is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI/2024/05/067997).
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