Efficacy of integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique in improving cervical function by reducing the trigger points on upper trapezius muscle: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of ischemic compression, strain/counterstrain, and muscle energy techniques were supported by literatures to relieve myofascial trigger points. However, no high-level research is available regarding the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT). Objective: To document the efficacy of INIT in improving cervical function by reducing the trigger points on upper trapezius muscle over the traditional approach. Methods: Thirty adults in the age group of 18–35 years diagnosed with mechanical neck pain with upper trapezius trigger point were selected by the simple random sampling for two group pretest-posttest design. They were allocated randomly into two equal groups, Group A and Group B, respectively. Group A received hydrocollator pack, INIT, neck strengthening exercises, scapular stabilization exercises, shoulder stabilization exercises, postural correction, and ergonomic advice while Group B received the same treatment except INIT. They were treated for six sessions on alternate days for 2 weeks. Visual analog scale, neck disability index, and tenderness grading scale were noted at baseline, 3rd session, and 6th session after the above treatment on both the groups and analyzed. Results: In all the outcome measures, Group A showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement when compared to Group B. Conclusion: There is a sufficient evidence to prove the efficacy of INIT in improving cervical function by reducing the trigger points on upper trapezius muscle