journal of motor and behavioral sciences

journal of motor and behavioral sciences

The Effect of a Corrective Exercise and Release Massage Program on Pain and Functional Disability of the Neck Caused by Myofascial Trigger Points in the Trapezius Muscle

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Occupational Health and Safety Engineer, MSc in Industrial Safety, Qazvin University, Qazvin, Iran
2 PhD in Pathology and Corrective Movements, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 PhD Candidate in Exercise Physiology, Department of Physical Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4 MSc in Health, Safety, and Environment Management, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jmbs.2025.512493.1243
Abstract
Introduction and Objective: Neck pain resulting from myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle is a common issue among industrial company employees, which can lead to functional neck disability. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a corrective exercise and release massage program on the pain and functional disability of the neck caused by myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle among employees of the MAPNA turbine blade engineering and manufacturing company.

Methodology:This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group. The population included employees of the MAPNA turbine blade engineering and manufacturing company. A total of 45 participants were selected using simple random sampling. The sample size was determined based on the power of the test using G*Power software. For data analysis, repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used. All statistical tests were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05.

Results:The results showed that in the three intervention groups (Groups 1, 2, and 3), there was a significant reduction in neck pain and improvement in functional neck disability from pre-test to post-test (p < 0.05). The greatest improvement was observed in Group 1 (corrective exercises combined with massage therapy).

Conclusion:This study found that both corrective exercises and release massage can be effective individually in reducing neck pain and improving its function, but combining these methods results in a more significant and enhanced improvement. Therefore, it is recommended that a combined approach be used in neck rehabilitation programs.
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