Effect of Fascial Distortion Model versus Kinetic Chain Activation Technique in young adults with trapezitis: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction Trapezitis is a musculoskeletal condition involving inflammation of the trapezius muscle and myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), leading to pain and restricted cervical mobility. Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) and Kinetic Chain Activation Technique (KCAT) are emerging manual therapies targeting these dysfunctions. This study aimed to compare their effects on pain pressure threshold (PPT), pain intensity, and cervical range of motion (ROM) in young adults with trapezitis. Methods A RCT was conducted on 54 participants aged 18–26 years with trapezitis. Participants were randomly assigned to Group A (FDM) or Group B (KCAT), each receiving their respective interventions along with conventional therapy. PPT was measured using a pressure Algometer, pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and cervical ROM with a universal goniometer. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results Both groups showed significant improvement ( p < 0.001). Group A (FDM) demonstrated a greater reduction in pain with a mean increase in Pain Pressure Threshold of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.65–2.31) and a decrease in pain intensity by 2.47 (95% CI: 2.12–2.82). Group B (KCAT) showed greater improvement in cervical mobility, flexion 13.41° (95% CI: 12.37–14.45), extension 14.33° (95% CI: 13.11–15.55), lateral flexion 10.63° (95% CI: 9.35–11.91), and rotation 22.48° (95% CI: 20.45–24.51). Between-group comparisons favored FDM for pain outcomes (PPT p = 0.031; VAS p = 0.003) and KCAT for mobility outcomes (flexion p = 0.022; rotation p = 0.006). Conclusion FDM is more effective for pain relief, while KCAT better improves cervical mobility. Both are effective in managing trapezitis however, as this was a single-session intervention and the study was not statistically powered, the long-term effects and generalizability of the findings remain uncertain.