Migraine, Muscle Activity, Upper Extremity
Conditions
Brief summary
Migraine is a significant health problem due to its high prevalence and substantial contribution to disability. Individuals with migraine have been reported to exhibit myofascial trigger points, increased pain sensitivity, and altered muscle activation patterns, particularly in the trapezius muscles. As the upper and middle trapezius muscles play critical roles in scapular stability and movement, alterations in these muscles may affect scapular orientation and upper extremity function. However, studies investigating the relationship between trapezius muscle activation, scapular orientation, and upper extremity performance in individuals with migraine are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare trapezius muscle activation, scapular orientation, and upper extremity performance between individuals with and without migraine. We hypothesized that individuals with migraine would exhibit altered upper and middle trapezius muscle activation, impaired scapular orientation, and reduced upper extremity performance compared with healthy controls.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 18-55 years * Diagnosed with migraine by a neurologist according to the ICHD-3 criteria * Experiencing at least 3 migraine attacks per month * Willing to participate and provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of other types of headache disorders * History of trauma, fracture, or surgery involving the cranio-cervical region, scapular region, or upper extremity * Presence of neurological or inflammatory rheumatic diseases * Presence of psychiatric disorders * Receiving physiotherapy or rehabilitation for migraine or the cervical, thoracic, or upper extremity regions within the past 6 months * Cognitive impairment affecting the understanding of test instructions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trapezius muscle activity | Single assessment at baseline | Upper and middle trapezius muscle activations will be assessed on the dominant side using surface electromyography (sEMG). Following skin preparation, EMG sensors will be placed over the upper and middle trapezius muscles according to the recommendations of the Surface Electromyography for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM). Resting muscle activity will be recorded prior to measurements to ensure signal quality. Muscle activations will first be recorded during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and subsequently during arm elevation in the scapular plane. EMG data will be analyzed using EMGworks software; signals will be filtered, processed using the root mean square (RMS) method, and normalized to each participant's MVIC values, expressed as %MVIC. Additionally, upper trapezius/middle trapezius activation ratios will be calculated, and muscle activation levels will be categorized according to predefined threshold values. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular rotation | Single assessment at baseline | Scapular upward rotation will be assessed using a digital inclinometer at shoulder elevation angles of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135°. Participants will stand comfortably with the elbow extended and elevate the arm with the thumb pointing upward to the target angles. The inclinometer will be positioned over the scapular spine to measure scapular upward rotation at each angle. Three measurements will be obtained at each position with 30-second rest intervals, and the mean value will be used for analysis. |
| Pain | Single assessment at baseline | The pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius muscle will be assessed using a digital algometer. Measurements will be performed at the midpoint between the C7 vertebra and the acromion using a 1-cm diameter rubber probe. Pressure will be gradually increased until the participant first reports pain or discomfort. Three measurements will be obtained with 30-second intervals, and the mean value (N/m²) will be used for analysis. |
| Upper extremity performance | Single assessment at baseline | Upper extremity mobility, stability, and proprioception in a closed kinetic chain will be assessed using the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test. Participants will perform the test in a push-up position while reaching in the medial, inferolateral, and superolateral directions with the free hand. Reach distances will be recorded in centimeters and normalized to upper extremity length. Composite reach scores will also be calculated, with greater reach distances indicating better upper extremity dynamic balance and function. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed