Article

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential therapy (IFT) both
in combination with hot pack, myofascial release, active range of motion
exercise, and a home exercise program on myofascial pain syndrome patients with
upper trapezius myofascial trigger point. DESIGN:
A total of 105 patients with an
upper trapezius myofascial trigger point were recruited to this single-blind
randomized controlled trial. Following random allocation of patients to three
groups, three therapeutic regimens-control-standard care (hot pack, active range
of motion exercises, myofascial release, and a home exercise program with
postural advice), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation-standard care and
IFT-standard care-were administered eight times during 4 wks at regular
intervals. Pain intensity and cervical range of motions (cervical extension,
lateral flexion to the contralateral side, and rotation to the ipsilateral side)
were measured at baseline, immediately after the first treatment, before the
eighth treatment, and 1 wk after the eighth treatment. RESULTS: Immediate and
short-term improvements were marked in the transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation group (n = 35) compared with the IFT group (n = 35) and the control
group (n = 35) with respect to pain intensity and cervical range of motions (P <
0.05). The IFT group showed significant improvement on these outcome measurements
than the control group did (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous electrical
nerve stimulation with standard care facilitates recovery better than IFT does in
the same combination.

Langue : ANGLAIS