Effect of Integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique versus instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization on chronic mechanical neck pain

Abstract

Background: Mechanical Neck Pain is considered one of the commonly known musculoskeletal conditions with active trigger points. It incorporates a great effect on economic productivity and becomes a major health problem. Purpose:  to compare the effect of integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique versus instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Methods: 60 participants were randomly enrolled into three equal groups. Group A received a conventional physical therapy program, Group B received a conventional physical therapy program plus integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique, and Group C received a conventional physical therapy program plus instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. The measurements were conducted using the Visual Analogue Scale, Cervical Range of Motion, Neck Disability Index and Pressure Algometer. Results: MANOVA test demonstrated a significant pain reduction in the three groups. Cervical ROM revealed that there was more improvement in group C. Neck disability index, there were no significant differences in improvement of three groups. Pain pressure threshold, there was more improvement in group C. Conclusion: Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique showed superiority than Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in improvements of pain intensity level, cervical ROM, neck disability level and pressure pain threshold in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.