Muscle Stiffness
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will examine whether extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) can reduce stiffness in the upper trapezius muscle. Muscle stiffness will be measured using a special ultrasound technique called shear-wave elastography (SWE), which allows researchers to assess changes in muscle properties. The aim of the study is to better understand if ESWT is effective in improving muscle function and reducing discomfort in this region. Healthy volunteers will be enrolled, and measurements will be taken before and after the ESWT treatment.
Detailed description
This interventional study investigates the acute effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the mechanical properties of the upper trapezius muscle, with a specific focus on muscle stiffness. Stiffness will be quantified using shear-wave elastography (SWE), a non-invasive ultrasound-based imaging modality that allows for real-time assessment of tissue elasticity. Participants will undergo baseline SWE measurements of the upper trapezius muscle, followed by the application of a standardized ESWT protocol. Post-treatment measurements will be conducted immediately after the intervention to evaluate acute changes in stiffness. The primary objective is to determine whether a single session of ESWT induces measurable changes in muscle mechanical properties. This study will contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the physiological effects of ESWT on skeletal muscle tissue and its potential application in clinical and sports settings. Data collected will also support the development of future longitudinal studies assessing the therapeutic relevance of ESWT for myofascial dysfunction and musculoskeletal pain syndromes.
Interventions
DEVICEExtracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
A single session of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) applied to the upper trapezius muscle (2300 shocks). The treatment is applied to the muscle belly region with coupling gel, without local anesthesia. The protocol is designed to assess the acute effects of ESWT on muscle stiffness measured using shear-wave elastography.
Sponsors
University of Primorska
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly assigned to either an ESWT intervention group or a control group for comparison of changes in muscle stiffness.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age between 18 and 45 years * Healthy individuals with no current musculoskeletal or neurological disorders * No history of neck or shoulder surgery * Willingness to abstain from vigorous upper-body exercise 24 hours prior to -measurements
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of neck or shoulder pain within the past 3 months * Diagnosed myofascial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia * History of cervical spine injury or neurological conditions affecting upper limbs * Use of analgesic or muscle relaxant medication within 48 hours prior to testing * Pregnancy * Contraindications to ESWT (e.g., bleeding disorders, pacemaker, malignancy in treatment area)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trapezius Muscle Stiffness | Baseline and Immediately Post-Intervention | Muscle stiffness of the upper trapezius will be measured using shear-wave elastography (SWE). The measure represents the shear modulus (in kilopascals) of the muscle tissue, as quantified by ultrasound imaging. Measurements will be taken with the participant in a standardized seated position, with minimal muscle activity. |
Countries
Slovenia
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORKozinc, PhD
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences
Outcome results
None listed