Attentional Focus Strategies in Exercise in Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Launched by YEDITEPE UNIVERSITY · Jan 31, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how different ways of focusing attention during exercise may help people with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) in the neck and upper back. MPS is a common condition that causes pain in these areas, and the researchers want to see if using specific instructions to direct attention—either focusing on the movement itself or on the effects of the movement—can improve exercise results for these patients. This is important because not much research has been done on this topic in people with musculoskeletal problems like MPS.

To participate in this study, individuals need to have had pain in their neck and upper back for more than three months, with a pain level of at least 3 out of 10. However, people with certain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or those who have had recent surgeries, are not eligible to join. The trial is currently not recruiting participants, but once it starts, those who qualify can expect to engage in exercises while being guided on how to focus their attention, potentially leading to better pain management and improved physical performance.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Symptomatic MPS in the neck and upper back region (upper and middle trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus muscles) confirmed by a physician,
• • Pain lasting more than 3 months with a pain intensity is 3 or higher according to numeric pain rating scale (NPRS⩾3).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Fibromyalgia syndrome, cervical disc pathologies, malignancy, neurologic and/or inflammatory diseases, history of neck, shoulder, upper back surgery and trauma, other medical conditions that limit participation in exercise.
• • Pregnancy
• • Individuals being involved in physiotherapy or exercise sessions for at least 4 weeks