Comparison of Post Isometric Relaxation Technique and Ischemic Compression Technique on Upper Trapezius Trigger Points in High School Girls with Non Specific Neck Pain: Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background
Neck pain contributes to be the second common musculoskeletal disorder in high school students. A significantly greater percentage of girls (21%) show symptoms during high school. Trigger points in upper fibres of trapezius muscle are present in those with cervical impairment. Hence, the study was conducted to compare the effects of post isometric relaxation technique and ischemic compression technique in the treatment of myofascial trigger points resulting in non specific neck pain in the high school girls.
Methodology
A total of 80 subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Selection of subjects in each group was done by randomization using random number table. Group A (40 subjects) received post isometric relaxation technique. Group B (40 subjects) received ischemic compression technique. Pain was graded on VAS and cervical side flexion (contralateral) range of motion (CROM) was measured using a full circle goniometer prior to treatment. Tenderness of trigger point was assessed based on a simple tenderness scale. After a one week treatment, again the same outcome measures were measured for both the groups.
Results
The data thus collected was subjected to statistical analysis.. Level of significance was kept at 5% (p value <0.05) was considered to be statistically significant. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used for for intragroup comparison and Mann Whitney U test was used for inter group comparison.
The difference in mean values of pain on VAS was highly significant following treatment with post isometric relaxation technique (p value <0.0001) as well as with ischemic compression technique (p value <0.0001). The difference in the values of pain on VAS between both the groups was not found to be significant (p value 0.14).
The difference in mean values of cervical side flexion (contralateral) range of motion(CROM) was highly significant following treatment with post isometric relaxation technique(p value <0.0001) as well as with ischemic compression technique(p value <0.0001). The difference between both the groups was found to be highly significant (p value <0.0001), post isometric relaxation technique being more effective.