BackgroundNonspecific neck pain can cause considerable suffering, possible disability and reductions in quality of life and productivity. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain.Methods/DesignA total of 12 patients with nonspecific neck pain and 12 healthy subjects will be enrolled in a randomized, single-blind crossover study. Each subject will receive two forms of treatment in random order: a single session of traditional acupuncture (acupoints: triple energizer 5, ‘Wai-guan’ and large intestine 11, ‘Qu-chi’) and sham acupuncture. To eliminate carry-over treatment effects, a one-week wash-out period will be respected between sessions. Surface electromyography will be used to determine motor control in the upper trapezius muscle before and after treatment. The outcome measures in the group with neck pain will be a numerical pain rating scale (range: 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain)), documentation of the pain area on a body chart and cervical range of motion. Comparisons before and after acupuncture treatment will demonstrate whether acupoints affect the activity of the upper trapezius muscle, pain and cervical range of motion.DiscussionThe purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on pain, cervical range of motion and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with nonspecific neck pain. Data will be published after the study is completed. The study will support the practice of evidence-based physical therapy for individuals with nonspecific neck pain.Trial registrationThis trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT0984021) on 7 November 2013 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01984021).
Although low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an important resource for the treatment of non-specific neck pain patients, the dose which presents the greatest therapeutic potential for the treatment of this pathology is still unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect of LLLT on the muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) and electromyographic activity (EMG) of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle in healthy individuals. A total of 20 healthy subjects were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Active LLLT (820 nm wavelength, 30 mW, energy total 18 J) or placebo LLLT (pLLLT) was delivered on the UT muscle. Each subject was subjected to a single session of active LLLT and pLLLT. Surface electromyography (sEMG) signal of the UT muscle was recorded during five different step contractions of shoulder elevation force (10-30% maximal voluntary contraction) pre- and post-LLLT irradiation. The values of MFCV and sEMG global amplitude (RMS) were used to calculate the effects of LLLT. The results showed no difference in the MFCV comparing the LLLT and pLLLT groups (F = 0.72 p = 0.39, η = 0.004). However, a significant difference was observed in the RMS between the LLLT and pLLLT (F = 16.66; P< 0.0001, η = 0.09). Individuals who received active LLLT presented a significant decrease in RMS after laser application (F = 61.28; p < 0.0001, η = 0.43). In conclusion, the 820 nm LLLT, with energy total of 18 J, did not alter the MFCV but significantly reduced the sEMG signal amplitude of the upper trapezius muscle in healthy subjects to a level of up to 30% of maximal voluntary contraction.
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