NCT07278570 Magnetic Resonance Elastography to Monitor Response to Manual Therapy in Myofascial Pain
| NCT ID | NCT07278570 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic |
| Condition | Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Lower Back |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 78 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-02-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-08-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 78 participants in total. It began in 2026-02-01 with a primary completion date of 2027-08-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The purpose of this research is to develop and test new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods that look at how muscles and tissues under the skin (myofascial tissues) move and respond to pressure. The investigators want to see how these tissues differ between healthy people and people with pain or injury, and how they change after hands-on treatment (Tuina therapy). The results will also be compared to a group that receives standard care without Tuina therapy. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Can MR elastography (MRE) show changes in how the fascia and the layers between muscles move and stretch before and after manual therapy? 2. Do changes seen on MRE scans match changes in pain, function, and other symptoms reported by participants? 3. Can MRE measurements before treatment help predict which participants are most likely to improve with manual therapy? In this randomized controlled trial, participants with myofascial pain will be randomly assigned (randomized) to either the Tuina group or the Usual Care group following a home-based care program without manual therapy. All treatments are noninvasive, hands-on techniques commonly used in clinical practice to reduce tissue tightness and improve movement. Participants will be asked to undergo three MRI scans and to complete questionnaires and other standard clinical assessments about their pain, physical function, and quality of life.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult males or females (age ≥ 18 years) * A history of chronic low back for at least 3 months. (Measured by patient history and physical exam) * A palpable taut band or nodule within the skeletal muscle * Hypersensitive tender spot within the taut band * Recognition of current pain complaint by pressure on the tender nodule/taut band * Painful limit to the full stretch range of motion Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Any contraindication to an MRI exam, or severe claustrophobia that would prevent safe completion of the scan * Previous therapy in the area to be treated within 3 months * Previous severe back injury (including fracture) or surgery * Any neurological conditions or active systemic disease (e.g. diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis) that impaired sensation/pain perception * Severe osteoarthritis * Skin injuries in the area to be treated * Inability to provide consent.
Contact & Investigator
Ziying Yin, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Mayo Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07278570 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Lower Back. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07278570 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07278570 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at Bush.Melissa1@mayo.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07278570 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Rochester, United States, Rochester, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07278570 clinical trial?
NCT07278570 is sponsored by Mayo Clinic. The principal investigator is Ziying Yin, Ph.D. at Mayo Clinic. The trial plans to enroll 78 participants.