Randomized Controlled Study of IASTM vs. SHAM Treatment in Alleviating Symptoms Associated with Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

Abstract

We read with great interest the article recently published article Randomizes controlled trial by Falame and Borres with the title “Randomized controlled study of IASTM vs. SHAM Treatment in Alleviating Symptoms Associated with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points” [1]. The Author must be applauded for looking into an important clinical topic and for incorporating a shamcomparison group to explore the specific effects of IASTM. Apart for this there are several methodological and statistical concerns that deserves clarification to improve the interpretation of the findings.

The study is a Randomized controlled design however there is no sample size calculation or statical power analysis reported. Although significant differences were observed statistically. he inclusion of only twenty participants raises concerns regarding the adequacy of statistical power and the precision of treatment effect estimates. Small sample sizes may increase the risk of both false-positive findings and exaggerated treatment effects, thereby limiting the generalizability of study conclusions [2].

Citation

Shikha D, Sharma S. Randomized Controlled Study of IASTM vs. SHAM Treatment in Alleviating Symptoms Associated with Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points. WebLog J Phys Ther Rehabil. wjptr.2026.h0803. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21857804