Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of muscle energy technique (MET) on latent myofascial trigger point (MTrPs) of the upper trapezius muscle.
Methods: Thirty-six female volunteers participated in this study. Subjects were divided randomly into 2 groups: MET and control groups. Outcomes measures were pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), and pain intensity (visual analog scale, VAS) and cervical contralateral flexion (CLF). Within-group effect sizes were large (d > 1) in the intervention group; but small to medium for the control group in all outcomes.
Results: The results showed an immediate decrease in pain sensitivity in the upper trapezius muscle and increase in cervical contralateral flexion. There were significant changes between groups, MET group was effectiveness than control group.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that muscle energy technique induced changes in pressure pain sensitivity in latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle.
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