Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the immediate effect on pain threshold and range of motion which follows a single treatment of tender points in the upper trapezius muscle among ischemic compression and picking up with ultrasonic therapy.

Methods

50 subjects presenting with upper trapezius muscles spasm, 9 male and 41 female, aged 20-30 years old, participated in this study. Subjects underwent a screening process to establish the presence of tender points in upper trapezius muscle. Subjects were divided randomly into 2 groups. Group A = Ischemic Compression + Ultrasonic Therapy (1.2 w/cm2 5 minutes) Group B = Picking Up + Ultrasonic Therapy (1.2 w/cm2 5 minutes) The outcome that is range of motion and Visual Analogue Scale are assessed pre treatment and 2 minutes post treatment after treatment allocation of the subject.

Result

Paired T-test is done between pre and post values of range of motion(ROM) and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) which shows two-tailed P <0.0001 which by conventional criteria is considered to be extremely statistically significant. Whereas, t value for pre and post VAS of ischemic compression group is 12.4378, and for picking up group is 15.1399. T value for pre and post ROM of ischemic compression group is 6.2164, and for picking up group is 5.9318. Unpaired T-test between two groups for ROM shows twotailed P value=0.4151 which is not statistically significant. T value for the same is 0.8220. Unpaired T-test between two groups for VAS shows two-tailed P value=0.5695 and t value is 0.5727.

Conclusion

This study concludes that both the techniques used in research namely ischemic compression and picking up are equally effective in treating tender point of upper trapezius muscle.

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