EFFECTIVENESS OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE (MET) VS. TRANSVERSE OSCILLATORY PRESSURE (TOP) IN MECHANICAL NECK PAIN: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Introduction: In the general community, mechanical neck pain is a rather prevalent issue. It continues to place a significant burden on patients in terms of pain, disability, and economic loss, as well as on society in terms of healthcare costs and lost productivity. There are several different therapy options for mechanical neck discomfort, but experts disagree on the best course of action. Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Transverse Oscillatory Pressure (TOP) to determine the most beneficial approach for Mechanical Neck Pain (MNP). Methodology: It was decided to conduct a randomized controlled trial. 30 people who had mechanical neck pain were randomly assigned to the TOP or MET groups. MET was given to the first group, and TOP to the second. Conventional treatment was given to both groups. For three weeks, there was one daily treatment and three weekly treatments. The neck disability index (NDI), a universal goniometer, and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to measure the severity of pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional disability, respectively. Immediately before 2168 Acta Biomed 2023; Vol. 94, N. 1: ISSN: 0392-4203 | eISSN: 2531-6745treatment and following the final session, the outcome measures VAS, NDI, and ROM were collected. Result: Pre-post values for groups A and B were analysed using paired t-tests, while post-post data for comparison between groups A and B were analysed using unpaired t-tests. Pre-post values for VAS, NDI, and CROM revealed a significant improvement in both groups. The MET group, however, significantly improved in VAS, NDI, and CROM for post-post values as compared to the TOP group. In the study, post-treatment results demonstrate a significantly greater improvement in pain, range of motion, and functional impairment with Muscle Energy Technique than with Transverse Oscillatory Pressure technique in patients with mechanical neck discomfort.