A randomized clinical trial of self-stretching with and without mindful breathing - immediate effect on pressure pain and range of motion in myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract

IntroductionThe stretching intervention of the current study was applied from several principles and the latest updated method of slowed and synchronized patterns between self-stretching with mindful breathing (MB) and eyes closed period before and after the self-stretching was performed at least four times repeatedly within 150 s per each pose. ObjectiveTo investigate effects of self-stretching in five poses with and without MB on pain and cervical range of motion (CROM). DesignThe study was a randomized clinical trial with a blinded assessor. SettingThe participants were 30 females per group, aged 30–59 years with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Main outcome measuresThe participants were evaluated via the pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the upper trapezius muscles and the CROM. ResultsBoth groups showed that the PPT at upper trapezius muscles significantly increased after performing the stretching (p < 0.001). The ROM in the MB group significantly increased in extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left rotation (p < 0.05). ConclusionSelf-stretching with mindful breathing was designed to allow for effects within the shortest time in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Since this treatment is a non-pharmacological intervention and was considered as part of active self-care, we suggest that this therapy could be used as alternative therapy for patients with MPS.