Immediate Effect of Manual Trigger Point Release Versus Post Isometric Relaxation Technique among College Students with Trapezitis: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Trapezitis is an inflammation of trapezius muscle leading to pain, where it is present even during rest and will be aggravated by activity, inflammation in the muscle causes spasm and tightness of trapezius muscle. Trapezitis is one of the common inflammatory conditions seen among college students due to prolonged faulty posture, overuse, stressful neck movement, etc. Students with trapezitis usually complain of pain, decreased range of motion and difficulty in activities of daily living. Its prevalence is maximum in females with middle age and less common in males with is fluctuating with mean point prevalence of 13% and neck pain occurs usually in upper trapezius muscle. Aim: To study the immediate effect of manual trigger point release versus post-isometric relaxation technique in college students with trapezitis. Study Design: Experimental Comparative Study. Sample Size: n=18 and the group allocation was done by using simple random sampling by chit method. Place and Duration of Study: Dr. Ulhas Patil college of Physiotherapy, Jalgaon. 6 months duration. Methodology: A comparative study was conducted on 18 college students. Subjects were selected according to inclusion & exclusion criteria of study. Prior to starting the study the procedure was explained and written Consent forms were taken from subjects. Trapezius trigger point assessed by using palpation method. The patient will be allocated into two groups using simple random sampling by chit method i.e., Group A subjects will receive manual trigger point release and Group B subjects will receive post isometric relaxation technique. The outcome measures NPRS & Cervical ROM by using goniometer will be measured at baseline and immediately after treatment. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t test and unpaired t-test. Results: The statistical analysis showed that there is a significant increase in the cervical range of motion and a significant reduction in the pain scores in both the groups (p<0.0001). However, intergroup analysis showed that group A is much more effective in improving cervical range of motion and reducing pain scores. Conclusion: The present study concluded that manual trigger point release is more immediately effective than post-isometric relaxation technique in college students with trapezitis.