Effect of ischemic pressure using a Backnobber II device on discomfort associated with myofascial trigger points.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ischemic pressure on myofascial trigger point (MTrP) sensitivity.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled study with the researcher assessing MTrP sensitivity blinded to the intervention.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-eight people with two MTrPs in the upper back musculature.

INTERVENTION: The sensitivity of two MTrPs in the upper back was assessed with a JTECH algometer. One of the two MTrPs was randomly selected for treatment with a Backnobber II, while the other served as a control.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and post-test pressure-pain thresholds of the MTrPs

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the pre- and post-test sensitivities of the treated and non-treated MTrPs (p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study confirm that the protocol of six repetitions of 30-s ischemic compression with the Backnobber II rendered every other day for a week was effective in reducing MTrP irritability.