Comparison of two repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation protocols for upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized trial.
Thitirut Jongutchariya, Surapa Hangsaphruek, Thawisak Wongkiratimethawi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-centre, assessor-blinded randomized trial compared 10- and 15-minute repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) protocols, each given weekly for 4 weeks alongside stretching, in adults aged 18–55 with chronic upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome. Among 66 randomized participants, pain, pressure pain threshold, and neck disability improved over time in both groups. At week 4, VAS pain fell by 4.87 points with the 15-minute protocol and 5.02 points with the 10-minute protocol; the adjusted between-group difference was -0.27 (95% CI -0.95-0.40; p = 0.43).
Key findings
- VAS pain decreased from baseline by 4.87 points with 15-minute rPMS and 5.02 points with 10-minute rPMS at week 4.
- The adjusted week-4 between-group VAS difference was -0.27 (95% CI -0.95-0.40; p = 0.43).
- Across both groups, pressure pain threshold increased by 2.51 kg/cm² and Neck Disability Index decreased by 9.15 points.
- No significant group-by-time interactions were found for VAS, pressure pain threshold, or neck disability.
Why it matters
The trial suggests that both tested rPMS durations, when combined with stretching, can accompany short-term improvements in pain and related measures in chronic upper trapezius myofascial pain. The absence of detected differences between durations may inform consideration of treatment time, but does not establish that the protocols are equivalent or that either is superior to stretching alone.
What to keep in mind
The single-centre trial included 66 participants and assessed outcomes only through week 4; it compared two rPMS durations alongside stretching, without a stretching-only control.