Latent Myofascial Trigger PointsNCT07368426
Immediate Effects of Strain Counterstrain Versus Fascial Distortion Model on Upper Trapezius Latent Trigger Points
A study testing Strain Counterstrain and Fascial Distortion Model in people with Latent Myofascial Trigger Points and Upper Trapezius Muscle, run by Kyungnam University at 1 site in South Korea.
Trial summary
This pilot study aimed to compare the immediate effects of two manual therapy techniques, strain counterstrain (SCS) and the fascial distortion model (FDM), on pain-related outcomes and neuromuscular function in individuals with latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 39 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Latent Myofascial Trigger Points, Upper Trapezius Muscle
- What is being tested?
- Strain Counterstrain and Fascial Distortion Model
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSouth Korea
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2025to 31 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 39 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy adults aged 18 to 39 years.
- Presence of latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
- No history of neurological or orthopedic disorders within the past six months.
- Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Current or previous complaints of neck or shoulder pain.
- Ongoing treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
- History of physical therapy or chiropractic treatment within the past six months.
- History of surgery or trauma involving the head or upper trunk.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Immediate Effects of Strain Counterstrain Versus Fascial Distortion Model on Pain and Function in Individuals With Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Upper Trapezius: A Pilot Study
This pilot study aimed to compare the immediate effects of two manual therapy techniques, strain counterstrain (SCS) and the fascial distortion model (FDM), on pain-related outcomes and neuromuscular function in individuals with latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Twenty healthy adults with identified latent trigger points were randomly assigned to receive a single session of either SCS or FDM. Cervical range of motion, proprioception, pressure pain threshold, and cervical muscle strength were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. This study was conducted to obtain preliminary data regarding the short-term effects of two manual therapy approaches with contrasting stimulation characteristics.
Read the detailed description
Musculoskeletal pain of the cervical region is a prevalent health problem, and the upper trapezius muscle is frequently involved due to postural overload and mechanical stress. These factors are commonly associated with the development of latent myofascial trigger points, which may restrict range of motion and impair neuromuscular function even in the absence of spontaneous pain.
Various manual therapy techniques have been used to manage myofascial trigger points. Strain counterstrain (SCS) is an indirect, low-intensity technique that aims to reduce nociceptive input and muscle spindle activity by positioning the body in a pain-free posture. In contrast, the fascial distortion model (FDM) is a direct manual therapy approach that applies relatively high-intensity pressure to specific fascial distortions identified through patient body language and palpation.
This study was designed as a pilot, parallel-group, pre-post comparative trial to explore the immediate effects of SCS and FDM on pain-related and neuromuscular outcomes in individuals with latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius. Twenty healthy adults were randomly assigned to receive a single session of either SCS or FDM. Cervical range of motion, joint position error, pressure pain threshold, and cervical muscle strength were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. The findings of this study are intended to provide preliminary evidence to inform future large-scale clinical trials comparing manual therapy techniques with differing stimulation characteristics.
- Being tested
- Strain Counterstrain, Fascial Distortion Model
- Keywords
- Strain Counterstrain, Fascial Distortion Model, Manual Therapy, Myofascial Trigger Point, Upper Trapezius
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Strain CounterstrainOther
Strain counterstrain is an indirect manual therapy technique in which the body is passively positioned in a pain-free posture to reduce nociceptive input and muscle tension. In this study, a single session of strain counterstrain was applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.
Fascial Distortion ModelOther
The fascial distortion model is a direct manual therapy approach that applies localized, high-intensity pressure to specific fascial distortions identified through patient body language and palpation. In this study, a single session of fascial distortion model intervention was applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Strain Counterstrain Group | Experimental | Participants received a single session of strain counterstrain manual therapy applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Receives: Other: Strain Counterstrain |
| Fascial Distortion Model Group | Experimental | Participants received a single session of fascial distortion model manual therapy applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Receives: Other: Fascial Distortion Model |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Cervical Range of Motion
Active cervical range of motion was measured using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.
Measured: Before and immediately after the intervention
Pressure Pain Threshold
Pressure pain threshold at the latent myofascial trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle was measured using a digital algometer.
Measured: Before and immediately after the intervention
Secondary outcomes (2)
Cervical Proprioception
Cervical proprioception was assessed using joint position error during cervical lateral flexion measured with a CROM device.
Measured: Before and immediately after the intervention
Cervical Muscle Strength
Isometric cervical muscle strength was measured using a digital muscle tester during flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.
Measured: Before and immediately after the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2025
- Primary completion31 Oct 2025
- Study completion31 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Latent Myofascial Trigger PointsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Kyungnam University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, JiYoung Kim, Kyungnam University
- Investigators
- JiYoung Kim, PT, PhD, Principal investigator, Kyungnam University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07368426
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- JYK-2025-02
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 18 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Immediate Effects of Strain Counterstrain Versus Fascial Distortion Model on Pain and Function in Individuals With Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Upper Trapezius: A Pilot Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07368426
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- JYK-2025-02
- Keywords
- Strain Counterstrain, Fascial Distortion Model, Manual Therapy, Myofascial Trigger Point, Upper Trapezius
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Kyungnam UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 26 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This pilot study aimed to compare the immediate effects of two manual therapy techniques, strain counterstrain (SCS) and the fascial distortion model (FDM), on pain-related outcomes and neuromuscular function in individuals with latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Twenty healthy adults with identified latent trigger points were randomly assigned to receive a single session of either SCS or FDM. Cervical range of motion, proprioception, pressure pain threshold, and cervical muscle strength were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. This study was conducted to obtain preliminary data regarding the short-term effects of two manual therapy approaches with contrasting stimulation characteristics.
Detailed description
Musculoskeletal pain of the cervical region is a prevalent health problem, and the upper trapezius muscle is frequently involved due to postural overload and mechanical stress. These factors are commonly associated with the development of latent myofascial trigger points, which may restrict range of motion and impair neuromuscular function even in the absence of spontaneous pain.
Various manual therapy techniques have been used to manage myofascial trigger points. Strain counterstrain (SCS) is an indirect, low-intensity technique that aims to reduce nociceptive input and muscle spindle activity by positioning the body in a pain-free posture. In contrast, the fascial distortion model (FDM) is a direct manual therapy approach that applies relatively high-intensity pressure to specific fascial distortions identified through patient body language and palpation.
This study was designed as a pilot, parallel-group, pre-post comparative trial to explore the immediate effects of SCS and FDM on pain-related and neuromuscular outcomes in individuals with latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius. Twenty healthy adults were randomly assigned to receive a single session of either SCS or FDM. Cervical range of motion, joint position error, pressure pain threshold, and cervical muscle strength were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. The findings of this study are intended to provide preliminary evidence to inform future large-scale clinical trials comparing manual therapy techniques with differing stimulation characteristics.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Strain Counterstrain Group | Experimental | Other: Strain CounterstrainParticipants received a single session of strain counterstrain manual therapy applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. |
| Fascial Distortion Model Group | Experimental | Other: Fascial Distortion ModelParticipants received a single session of fascial distortion model manual therapy applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 39 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Healthy adults aged 18 to 39 years.
- Presence of latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
- No history of neurological or orthopedic disorders within the past six months.
- Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Current or previous complaints of neck or shoulder pain.
- Ongoing treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
- History of physical therapy or chiropractic treatment within the past six months.
- History of surgery or trauma involving the head or upper trunk.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Strain CounterstrainStrain counterstrain is an indirect manual therapy technique in which the body is passively positioned in a pain-free posture to reduce nociceptive input and muscle tension. In this study, a single session of strain counterstrain was applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. | Other | Strain Counterstrain Group |
| Fascial Distortion ModelThe fascial distortion model is a direct manual therapy approach that applies localized, high-intensity pressure to specific fascial distortions identified through patient body language and palpation. In this study, a single session of fascial distortion model intervention was applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. | Other | Fascial Distortion Model Group |
Primary outcome
Cervical Range of Motion
Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention
Active cervical range of motion was measured using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.
Pressure Pain Threshold
Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention
Pressure pain threshold at the latent myofascial trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle was measured using a digital algometer.
2 secondary outcomes
Cervical Proprioception
Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention
Cervical Muscle Strength
Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Jan 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Latent Myofascial Trigger Points
Recruiting
Effects of Dry Needling on Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Extensor Digitorum Communis
Dry Needling Technique, Trigger Point Pain
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
JiYoung Kim, PT, PhD principal investigator
Kyungnam University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Strain Counterstrain and Fascial Distortion Model in people with Latent Myofascial Trigger Points and Upper Trapezius Muscle, run by Kyungnam University at 1 site in South Korea.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in South Korea. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Cervical Range of Motion (time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Jan 2026.