Vitsarut Buttagat1, Thitipong Narktro2, Kamonporn Onsrira2, Chaithawat Pobsamai2. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; The Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH) Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand. Electronic address: vitsarutbut@hotmail.com. 2. Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on electromyographic (EMG) activity, muscle tension and pain intensity in patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: The Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand. INTERVENTION: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive a 30-min session of either TTM or control (sham microwave diathermy). OUTCOMES: Electromyogram (EMG), Muscle tension rating, and pain intensity rating RESULTS:TTM were associated with significant decreases in EMG, muscle tension and pain intensity after the end of treatment session (p<0.05). For all outcomes, similar changes were not observed in the control group (p>0.05) except for muscle tension (p<0.05). In addition, there was a significantly greater reduction in all parameters for the TTM group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: We therefore suggest that TTM can increase physical relaxation and reduce pain in patients with upper back pain associated with MTrPs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02067325.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on electromyographic (EMG) activity, muscle tension and pain intensity in patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: The Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand. INTERVENTION: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive a 30-min session of either TTM or control (sham microwave diathermy). OUTCOMES: Electromyogram (EMG), Muscle tension rating, and pain intensity rating RESULTS: TTM were associated with significant decreases in EMG, muscle tension and pain intensity after the end of treatment session (p<0.05). For all outcomes, similar changes were not observed in the control group (p>0.05) except for muscle tension (p<0.05). In addition, there was a significantly greater reduction in all parameters for the TTM group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: We therefore suggest that TTM can increase physical relaxation and reduce pain in patients with upper back pain associated with MTrPs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02067325.
Authors: Kanda Sornkayasit; Amonrat Jumnainsong; Wisitsak Phoksawat; Wichai Eungpinichpong; Chanvit Leelayuwat Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-19 Impact factor: 3.390