Comparison of effectiveness of electrical stimulation, myofascial release, and conventional physiotherapy over acupuncture points (GB21, SI14) on upper trapezius in female basketball players

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of electrical stimulation, myofascial release (MFR), and conventional physiotherapy over acupuncture points (GB21, SI14) on the upper trapezius in female basketball players.METHODOLOGY: The study included 30 patients with unilateral myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) present on acupuncture points GB2l (midway between shoulder and vertebral column) and SI14 (3 cm lateral to lower border of spinous process of first thoracic vertebra) on the upper trapezius, between the age group of 18 and 30 years. The patients were allotted alternatively to Group A, Group B, and Group C, respectively. Preparticipation evaluation was done. Group A received electrical stimulation with exercise, Group B received MFR with exercise, and Group C received cold pack with exercise. Posttreatment evaluation is conducted on the 7th day of treatment.RESULTS: The results showed that Group B has significant decrease in pain and increase in lateral bending of the cervical spine to the opposite side at posttest values as compared to Group A and Group C.CONCLUSION: All three groups have got beneficial effects in reducing pain intensity and increasing lateral bending of the cervical spine to the opposite side. Group B shows more significant effect in decrease in pain and increase in lateral bending of the cervical spine to the opposite side in female basketball players with MTrP over acupoints GB21, SI14 on the upper trapezius.