Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ischemic compression
therapy versus foam rolling in the treatment of pain associated with active rhomboid
trigger points. The findings were compared in terms of the changes found in the pain
pressure threshold measurements and the self-reported pain ratings by the participants.
This study would then establish if the treatment protocols were effective in reducing
active rhomboid trigger point pain and indicative of the superior treatment protocol.
Method: A sample of 30 participants between the ages of 18 and 60 years, took part in
this study. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups of 15 participants each.
Group 1 received ischemic compression therapy delivered to their rhomboid trigger
points and Group 2 received foam rolling over the involved rhomboid trigger point.
Procedure: The trial period included six treatments delivered over a period of three
weeks with a seventh visit for measurement only (thus no treatment administered).
Subjective and objective data were collected at visit 1, visit 4, and visit 7. Subjective
measurements consisted of the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire that
encompassed the Visual Analogue Scale. Objective measurements were recorded
using a pressure algometer.
Results: Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric testing that included
the Shapiro-Wilk test to test for normality. The Friedman and Wilcoxon Signed Rank
tests were performed for intragroup analysis. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for
intergroup analysis. Statistical analysis showed a statistically significant difference for
intragroup analysis and no statistical significance for intergroup analysis. Therefore no
treatment protocol proved to be superior...