Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Myofascial Release in Students of Career Point University Kota with Scapulocostal Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterised by pain and discomfort around the scapular region, often associated with postural dysfunction, prolonged sitting, and imbalance involving the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids, and serratus anterior muscles. Although Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Myofascial Release (MFR) are both widely used, comparative evidence regarding their relative effectiveness remains limited. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of MET and MFR in reducing pain intensity and functional disability among collegiate adults with scapulocostal syndrome. Methods: A randomised controlled trial enrolled 38 collegiate adults (18-30 years) diagnosed with SCS, who were randomly allocated to Group A (MFR, n = 19) or Group B (MET, n = 19). Both interventions targeted the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids, and serratus anterior four days per week for four weeks. Pain intensity and functional disability were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI), respectively, at baseline and after the intervention. Within- and between-group differences were analysed using paired- and independent-samples t-tests, with Cohen's d used to quantify effect size. Results: Both groups showed significant within-group reductions in NDI and VAS scores (all p < 0.01). NDI improved by 45.7% in the MFR group and 46.0% in the MET group, with no significant between-group difference (p = 0.359). VAS improved by 52.3% in the MFR group and 54.8% in the MET group, with a significant between-group difference favouring MET (p = 0.003, Cohen's d = 1.04); however, the MET group had significantly higher baseline pain scores, a factor that may have contributed to this difference. Conclusion: Both MET and MFR are effective in improving functional disability in collegiate adults with scapulocostal syndrome, with comparable benefits. MET demonstrated significantly greater pain reduction and may be preferred when analgesia is the primary clinical objective, although this finding should be interpreted cautiously given the baseline imbalance in pain scores between groups.