The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of Kinesio taping on myofascial pain syndrome post neck dissection surgery.

In this part of the study, the materials and methods will be presented under the following headings: subjects, equipment, procedures of the study and the statistical procedures.

1. Subjects:

   Sixty patients from both genders who have cervical myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) following a neck dissection surgery will participate in this study. Their ages will be ranged from 30 to 45 years. The participants will be selected from the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and randomly distributed into two equal groups.

   1.1 Design of the study:

   In this study the patients will be randomly assigned into two equal groups (30 patients for each group):

   1.1(a) Group A (Kinesio taping group): This group includes 30 patients who will receive Kinesiotaping, in additional to traditional treatment (ROM exercises, stretching exercises, and Deep friction message) 3 times per week for one month.

   1.1(b) Group B This group includes 30 patients who will receive traditional treatment only (ROM exercises, stretching exercises, and Deep friction message) 3 times per week for 1 month.

2. Equipment:

2.1- Measurement equipment: 2.1.a-Visual analogue scale (VAS): The Visual analogue Scale (VAS) has been in use for the measurement of intangible quantities such as pain, quality of life and anxiety since the 1920s. It consists of a line usually 100 mm in length, with anchor descriptors such as (in the pain context) "no pain" and "worst pain imaginable". The patient makes a mark reflecting his or her perception, and the distance from the left endpoint to the mark is measured, in mm. The VAS was initially used in psychology for the measurement of mood disorders, and was used for the measurement of pain from the mid-1960s .

2.1.b- A pressure algometer: - A pressure algometer will be used for pressure pain threshold (PPT) assessment on the trigger spots. It contains a rubber disk (1 cm2surface), attached to a pressure pole and inserted into a gauge, for recording the pressure in kilograms .

2.1.C-Goniometer: The term goniometry is derived from two Greek words, gonia, meaning "angle" and metron, meaning "measurement". Goniometer has different types; the most used is the universal standard goniometer, which is either made with plastic or metal tool. It consists of a stationary arm, a movable arm, and a fulcrum. By aligning this with the axis of a joint, the degree of motion can be measured in a single plane .

-The active ROM of neck joint (lateral flexion and rotation on both sides.) will be measured using a universal standard goniometer when the patient is in sitting position.

2.2-Therapeutic equipment and tools:

Kinesio tape:

The tape (Kinesio Tex Tape; Kinesio Holding Corporation, Albuquerque, NM) is waterproof, porous, and adhesive. The width is 5 cm and thickness of 0.5 mm will be used in this study. This tape is with elastic core wrapped within cotton and capable of stretching up to 140-150%, applies heat-sensitive acrylic adhesive to avoid risk of latex allergy .The tape without medicinal properties is water resistant and can remain on the skin for 3 to 5 days. It will be applied two times per week for one month.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both genders with age range between 30 to 45 years will participate in this study.
• A history of MPS involving upper trapezius for at least 3 months.
• Moderate to severe pain (VAS score >4).

Exclusion Criteria:

• The potential participants will be excluded if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • A wound in the affected area
  • A cervical disk lesion
  • Myelopathy or radiculopathy
  • Cervical spine fracture or spondylolisthesis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis,
  • Epilepsy or any psychological disorders