Latent Myofascial Trigger Points, Upper Trapezius Muscle
Conditions
Keywords
Strain Counterstrain, Fascial Distortion Model, Manual Therapy, Myofascial Trigger Point, Upper Trapezius
Brief summary
This pilot study aimed to compare the immediate effects of two manual therapy techniques, strain counterstrain (SCS) and the fascial distortion model (FDM), on pain-related outcomes and neuromuscular function in individuals with latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Twenty healthy adults with identified latent trigger points were randomly assigned to receive a single session of either SCS or FDM. Cervical range of motion, proprioception, pressure pain threshold, and cervical muscle strength were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. This study was conducted to obtain preliminary data regarding the short-term effects of two manual therapy approaches with contrasting stimulation characteristics.
Detailed description
Musculoskeletal pain of the cervical region is a prevalent health problem, and the upper trapezius muscle is frequently involved due to postural overload and mechanical stress. These factors are commonly associated with the development of latent myofascial trigger points, which may restrict range of motion and impair neuromuscular function even in the absence of spontaneous pain. Various manual therapy techniques have been used to manage myofascial trigger points. Strain counterstrain (SCS) is an indirect, low-intensity technique that aims to reduce nociceptive input and muscle spindle activity by positioning the body in a pain-free posture. In contrast, the fascial distortion model (FDM) is a direct manual therapy approach that applies relatively high-intensity pressure to specific fascial distortions identified through patient body language and palpation. This study was designed as a pilot, parallel-group, pre-post comparative trial to explore the immediate effects of SCS and FDM on pain-related and neuromuscular outcomes in individuals with latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius. Twenty healthy adults were randomly assigned to receive a single session of either SCS or FDM. Cervical range of motion, joint position error, pressure pain threshold, and cervical muscle strength were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. The findings of this study are intended to provide preliminary evidence to inform future large-scale clinical trials comparing manual therapy techniques with differing stimulation characteristics.
Interventions
OTHERStrain Counterstrain
Strain counterstrain is an indirect manual therapy technique in which the body is passively positioned in a pain-free posture to reduce nociceptive input and muscle tension. In this study, a single session of strain counterstrain was applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.
The fascial distortion model is a direct manual therapy approach that applies localized, high-intensity pressure to specific fascial distortions identified through patient body language and palpation. In this study, a single session of fascial distortion model intervention was applied to latent myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle.
Sponsors
Kyungnam University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 39 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy adults aged 18 to 39 years. * Presence of latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. * No history of neurological or orthopedic disorders within the past six months. * Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Current or previous complaints of neck or shoulder pain. * Ongoing treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. * History of physical therapy or chiropractic treatment within the past six months. * History of surgery or trauma involving the head or upper trunk.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Range of Motion | Before and immediately after the intervention | Active cervical range of motion was measured using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. |
| Pressure Pain Threshold | Before and immediately after the intervention | Pressure pain threshold at the latent myofascial trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle was measured using a digital algometer. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Proprioception | Before and immediately after the intervention | Cervical proprioception was assessed using joint position error during cervical lateral flexion measured with a CROM device. |
| Cervical Muscle Strength | Before and immediately after the intervention | Isometric cervical muscle strength was measured using a digital muscle tester during flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. |
Countries
South Korea
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORJiYoung Kim, PT, PhD
Kyungnam University
Outcome results
None listed