Effect of MET vs Neck Calliet Exercises on Neck Pain and Disability in Nurses

Comparative Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Calliet Exercises on Mechanical Neck Pain and Disability Due to Trapezius Trigger Point Among Nurses

This study compares the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in managing mechanical neck pain and associated disability due to trapezius trigger points among nurses. A total of 38 female nurses were randomly assigned to two intervention groups, each receiving therapy for four weeks. Pain, cervical range of motion, and disability outcomes were assessed.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Muscle Energy Technique; Other: Neck Calliet exercise

Detailed Description

Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly neck pain, are highly prevalent among nurses due to repetitive strain, prolonged standing, and non-ergonomic work postures. One of the major contributors to mechanical neck pain is the presence of active myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle, which limit cervical range of motion (CROM) and increase disability.This single-blinded, randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) and Neck Calliet Exercises in reducing mechanical neck pain and disability among nurses with trapezius trigger points. Thirty-eight participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received MET, and Group B performed Neck Calliet Exercises. Both groups also received TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy as a baseline treatment. Each participant received treatment three times per week for four weeks.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 38
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Fiza Tariq, MSPT; Phone Number: +923072933338; Email: faizant741@gmail.com

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Punjab Province
    • Faisalabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 38000
      • Recruiting
      • The University of Faisalabad
      • Principal Investigator: Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, HOD Surgery

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female nurses
• Between 18 and 30 years of age
• Having mechanical neck discomfort that is confined to the cervical or bilateral scapular regions (pain level must be 3-5 VAS)
• There must be at least one trigger point in trapezius muscle
• The participant must be ready to participate No clinical therapy for neck pain must have been performed in the preceding month

Exclusion Criteria:

• A recent medical history including surgery on the shoulder or neck
• Signs of myelopathy in the clinic or radiculopathy
• Diagnosed Fibromyalgia syndrome, psychiatric problems
• Pregnancy
• Cervical stenosis, malignancy (cervical, breast cancer)
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Vestibulobasilar artery syndrome
• Whiplash injury
• Diagnosis of migraine
• Diabetes type I, systematic illness of cardio-respiratory system
• Congenital deformities affecting the spine, shoulders, and limbs
• Osteoporosis of cervical spine or cervical myeloma

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: MET Group; Participants received Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS	Behavioral: Muscle Energy Technique; Participants in this group received Muscle Energy Techniques targeting the upper trapezius trigger points. Treatment was provided 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session included post-isometric relaxation techniques with stretching, along with baseline TENS therapy.Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises focusing on cervical flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. Exercises were done under supervision, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. All participants also received baseline TENS therapy.
Experimental: Calliet Exercise Group; Participants performed Neck Calliet Exercises for 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, in addition to TENS.	Other: Neck Calliet exercise; Neck Calliet exercise

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Pain Intensity Pain Intensity Pain intensity	Change in neck pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measured before and after 4 weeks of intervention.	Baseline and 4 weeks
Functional Disability	Functional disability was evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.	Baseline and 4 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cervical Range of Motion	Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion) was measured using a universal goniometer pre- and post-intervention to assess changes in mobility.	Baseline and 4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Faisalabad
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, HOD Surgery, The University of Faisalabad

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): August 15, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 30, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 30, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: August 17, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: August 22, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): August 24, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimated): September 12, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 11, 2025
• Last Verified: September 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: MET, Neck Calliet Exercise, Cervical ROM, VAS, NDI
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Myofascial Pain Syndromes
• Other Study ID Numbers: MET_Calliet_NeckPain_Nurses

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No