The Iqra University

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the potential effectiveness of Progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) vs Muscle energy technique (MET) as an intervention for releasing trigger points in SCM and upper trapezius in prolonged computer users. The study will be conducted in a workplace setting, where desk-type computer users are expected to regularly engage in their professional activities for ≥ 6 hours throughout the day, intermittently. This study will be conducted at the Outpatient Physiotherapy department of Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi among 60 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain on the basis of non-probability purposive sample technique. After taking informed consent, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups through a investigator (blinded) the same investigator will be screening the individuals, doing baseline assessment, and post treatment assessment while another investigator will be providing intervention. Group 1 will receive Progressive muscle relaxation technique while Group 2 will receive Muscle Energy Technique on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius bilaterally. Patients will also be blinded. A total of 12 sessions will be provided. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post treatment after 2 weeks intervention.

Despite advances in intervention, many patients presenting with nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) fail to have recovery from symptoms and activity limitation. Evidence suggests that interventions commonly used by physical therapists, may be effective for some but not all subsets of people with low back pain. Posterior anterior vertebral mobilizations (PAVMs) followed by prone press up (PPU) exercise are commonly used in clinical practice without a firm evidence. Research has shown this intervention decreases nonspecific low back pain on immediate effects but there is still limitation.The objective of this study is to determine the effects of posterior anterior vertebral mobilization followed by prone press-up exercise in comparison to conventional physiotherapy in nonspecific low back pain. The hypothesis is that the PAVMs followed by PPU exercise is more effective as compared to conventional physiotherapy to improve pain, lumbar range of motion, disability and quality of life in NSLBP. So, a randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. One hindered and twenty patients with 18-40 years old having NSLB will be included on the basis of non-probability and purposive sampling technique and consent will be taken. Participants will be allocated into two groups through computer random sampling software. Experimental group will receive posterior-anterior vertebral mobilization followed by prone press up exercise and control group will receive conventional therapy (thermotherapy with general stretching exercises). All participants will be assessed using assessment form. After taking demo-graphical information, pain (in standing, sitting and walking), lumbar flexion and extension, functional disability and quality of life will be assessed before and after the treatment. All the data will be analysed for descriptive and inferential analysis.