The Efficacy of Muscle Energy Technique in Individuals With Mechanical Neck Pain: A Systematic Review

Abstract

<jats:p>Introduction: Mechanical neck pain is a condition that includes minor strain / sprain in the muscles, ligaments, or facet joint dysfunction. Objective: This systematic review is aimed to find out the effectiveness of the muscle energy technique in mechanical neck pain. Method: The systematic review access to journal databases such as: PubMed, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. Results: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria 5 articles were used in this systematic review. The application of the muscle energy techniques was applied ranging from 1 time to 4 weeks of intervention. From the 5 reviewed studies concluded that muscle energy technique was effective in improving neck motion and function in mechanical neck pain. Conclusion: Based on the results of systematic review it can be concluded that the application of MET improve neck movement through The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) criteria evaluated by pain score, pain threshold, range of motion, functional performance, and muscle thickness. The appropriate articles are still limited to 5 studies, but have good to strong qualities. In addition, the application of intervention does not have the same standard.</jats:p>

Effect of the Reciprocal Inhibition Technique on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Activities in a Patient With Upper Trapezitis: A Case Report

“…Another study that examined the benefits of the post-isometric relaxation technique on mechanical neck pain came to the conclusion that MET greatly decreased pain and enhanced day-to-day functioning [5]. Similarly, a study found that MET is successful in reducing pain and increasing the range of motion [12][13][14]. There was a…”

Comparison of the effect of a 5-week series of positional release therapy and muscle energy technique on pain threshold and mobility of the cervical spine in people with the upper crossed syndrome

“…The technique employed was post-isometric relaxation (PIR), a MET belonging to the TEM group, follow-ing the principles developed by Mitchell. According to these principles, after an isometric muscle contraction with a force not exceeding 30% of the maximum force and a duration of 5-7 seconds, a passive elongation was introduced to a new tissue barrier position [5]. For each muscle, the sequence was repeated three times, and the final achieved position was maintained for 30 seconds.…”

Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstring Flexibility: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of MET in various diseases such as cervicalgia [ 18 , 19 , 20 ], chronic low back pain [ 21 ], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [ 22 ], and symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects [ 23 ]; however, studies on the hamstring have not been reported. Furthermore, studies of static stretching [ 24 ], Nordic hamstring exercise [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], eccentric training [ 28 , 29 ], and strength training [ 30 ] have been reported on the effects of hamstring strength and flexibility, but no comparative studies with MET have been published.…”