Short term effects of classic massage compared to connective tissue massage on pressure pain threshold and muscle relaxation response in women with chronic neck pain: a preliminary study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of classic massage (CM) and connective tissue massage (CTM) on pressure pain threshold and muscle relaxation response in women with chronic neck pain.
Results Summary
CM significantly improved pressure pain threshold in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, while CTM showed significant muscle relaxation responses. CTM was more effective than CM in inducing relaxation based on EMG-BF values.
Population
45 female volunteers aged 25-45 with chronic neck pain (3-6 months duration).
Effective Dosage
1 session of CM or CTM applied to the thoracic spine and neck.
Duration
Single session.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
classic massage (CM) | increase | Pressure pain threshold of the sternocleidomastoid muscle | women with chronic neck pain | - | significantly different | #1 |
connective tissue massage (CTM) | increase | EMG-BF values | women with chronic neck pain | - | significantly different | #2 |
connective tissue massage (CTM) | increase | EMG-BF averages | women with chronic neck pain | - | favored | #3 |
1 treatment of CTM | increase | relaxation responses | women with chronic neck pain | - | demonstrated | #4 |
1 treatment of CM | decrease | pain reduction | women with chronic neck pain | - | demonstrated | #5 |
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of classic massage (CM) and connective tissue massage (CTM) on pressure pain threshold and muscle relaxation response in women with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Participants included 45 female volunteers (ages between 25 and 45 years) presenting to the Köroglu State Hospital Neurosurgery Polyclinic who had experienced neck pain for 3 to 6 months. The volunteers were randomly assigned to 2 groups (CM or CTM to the thoracic spine and the neck). Each treatment was carried out for 1 session. Outcome measures were obtained before and after treatment, which included pressure pain threshold that was measured with an algometer and muscle relaxation response that was evaluated with electromyography biofeedback (EMG-BF). RESULTS: Pressure pain threshold of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was significantly different for the CM (P < .05) group. The EMG-BF values were significantly different for the CTM group (P < .05). Comparing the results of CM and CTM, EMG-BF averages favored the CTM group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: For the group of women with chronic neck pain that were included in this study, 1 treatment of CTM demonstrated relaxation responses and 1 treatment of CM demonstrated pain reduction.