Upper Trapezius Research Articles

Changes in electromyographic activity of latent trigger points after a dry needling intervention: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo analyse the effects of dry needling (DN) in upper trapezius latent trigger points (LTrPs) on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and surface electromyography (sEMG). DesignRandomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. SettingsSports Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of Castilla-La Mancha. ParticipantsForty-six participants (18–35 years old) with LTrP in the upper trapezius were divided into two groups: DN-group and Sham-DN-group. InterventionsIn the DN-group, the needle was inserted 10-times through the skin, and it was manipulated up and down using a "fast in and out" technique. In the Sham-DN-group, non-penetrating needles were used. Main outcome measuresPPT, sEMG at rest, and sEMG in isometric contraction of the LTrP of the upper trapezius muscle were evaluated at baseline, 30 min after treatment, and after 24 h, and 72 h of follow-up. ResultsThe mean change in sEMG at rest between baseline and 30 min was − 0.38 (0.38) %refRMS for the DN group and − 0.05 (0.31) %refRMS for the Sham-DN group (mean difference −0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference: − 0.54 to − 0.13), and between baseline and 24 h was − 0.35 (0.35) %refRMS for the DN group and − 0.06 (0.58) %refRMS for the Sham-DN group (mean difference −0.29, 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.01). In addition, the DN-group showed higher values of PPT than the Sham-DN group at 72 h (5.22 (1.23) to 4.65 (1.03) kg/cm2; p < 0.05). ConclusionsA single session of DN intervention was effective in reducing the electromyographic activity, muscle fatigue and pain of the upper trapezius muscle in LTrP. Contribution of paperIn healthy volunteers dry needling is effective:•for reducing electromyography activity in latent trigger points.•for reducing muscle fatigue in latent trigger points.•in increasing pressure pain threshold in latent trigger points.

Difference in muscle synergies of the butterfly technique with and without swimmer’s shoulder

This study aimed to investigate whether muscle synergy differs between swimmers with and without swimmer's shoulder in the butterfly technique. Muscle synergies, which can assess muscle coordination, were analyzed using surface electromyography. Twenty elite swimmers were included in this study (swimmer's shoulder: n = 8; control: n = 12). The motions involved in executing the butterfly technique were classified into the early pull-through, late pull-through, and recovery phases. Muscle synergy data analyzed using the nonnegative matrix factorization method were compared between the two groups.The swimming velocities were 1.66 ± 0.09 m・s −1 and 1.69 ± 0.06 m・s −1 for the control and swimmer's shoulder groups, respectively. Four muscle synergies in both groups were identified: synergy #1, which was involved in the early pull; synergy #2, involved in the late pull; synergy #3, involved in the early recovery; and synergy #4, involved in pre- and posthand entry. Compared to the control group, the swimmer's shoulder group had a small contribution from the pectoralis major (p = 0.032) and a high contribution from the rectus femoris during the early pull phase (p = 0.036). In the late pull phase, the contribution of the lower trapezius muscle in the swimmer's shoulder group was low (p = 0.033), while the contribution of the upper trapezius muscle in the pre- and postentry phases was high (p = 0.032). In the rehabilitation of athletes with swimmer's shoulder, it is therefore important to introduce targeted muscle rehabilitation in each phase.

Effect of high-intensity laser on upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome

Aim of the study: As high intensity laser therapy (HILT) is capable of reaching and stimulating deeper and larger tissues than traditional physiotherapy modalities, so we studied its influence on cervical myofascial pain. Subject and methods: 50 patients with chronic upper trapezius muscle myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) within age range of 20 to 40 years old were assigned into group A that received traditional treatment only (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound massage (US), stretch and exercise), while group B received HILT with traditional treatment. Outcome measures included pain severity via visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) by pressure algometer, neck functional activities by neck disability index (NDI) and cervical range of motion by CROM apparatus. Results: both groups showed significant improvement in the posttreatment outcome measures, but the HILT group (group B) showed a more significant improvement than the control group (group A) with p-value &gt;0.001. Conclusion: HILT is a supportive physical therapy modality that may provide preferable results for a cervical MTrP patient.

Upper Body Muscle Activation And Measures Of Sprint Performance

PURPOSE: Effective arm swing and core muscle activation are involved in acceleration and maximal sprinting, yet muscle activity in these areas have not been measured via electromyography (EMG) during over ground sprinting trials. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between muscle activation of the upper body and measures of performance during sprint acceleration and maximal sprinting. METHODS: Sixteen participants (20.93 ± 0.96 yrs.; 1.71 ± 0.07 m; 67.69 ± 11.81 kg) completed six 40-m sprint trials on an outdoor track, with three from a block start and three from a split start. Muscle activation was measured via EMG in the triceps brachii, biceps brachii, upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, rectus abdominis, and oblique muscles, recorded as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Split times recorded during each sprint were used to calculate acceleration, net horizontal force (Fh), and the ratio of Fh and resultant ground reaction force (%RF) using previously validated methods. Repeated measures multilevel modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between mean upper body muscle activation and average acceleration, Fh, and %RF during each 10-m window of the sprint. RESULTS: During the 0-10 m window, mean activation of the upper trapezius showed a significant positive relationship with acceleration (t = 2.66, p = 0.01), Fh (t = 2.20, p = 0.03), and %RF (t = 2.57, p = 0.01), erector spinae activation was positively associated with %RF (t = 2.42, p = 0.02), and biceps activation was negatively associated with Fh (t = -2.23, p = 0.03). In the 30-40 m window, there was a significant negative relationship between mean latissimus dorsi activation and %RF (t = -2.16, p = 0.04). There were no significant relationships between upper body muscle activation and indicators of sprint performance detected during the 10-20 m or 20-30 m windows. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that upper trapezius muscle activity is important during initial sprint acceleration, which agrees with past research on scapular restriction limiting maximal acceleration while sprinting. After the initial period of sprint acceleration, there was no evidence that greater activation of certain upper body muscles was related to improving maximal sprinting performance.

Effect of Myofascial Induction Therapy in Pterygoid Muscles of Woodwinds and String Musicians on Muscular Stiffness of the Upper Trapezius.

Considering the fascial continuity and its biomechanical characteristics, the purpose of this study was to assess the change in muscular stiffness (Dm) of the upper trapezius muscles after the application of myofascial induction therapy (MIT) to the masticatory muscles of musicians. This was a pre-posttest design involving one treatment. The total sample was 33 subjects (n = 33). The experimental group comprised 18 violin, viola, and woodwind players, and the control group was comprised of 15 non-musicians. The outcome measures included pre-posttest measurements with tensiomyography of the upper trapezius (muscle stiffness, Dm), and baseline neck disability (Neck Disability Index), and pain (SF-36 questionnaire). The experimental group received MIT for 5 minutes on each side of the lateral pterygoid muscle. The control group assumed a supine position for 10 minutes. After the intervention, there was a significant difference in Time per Group (F = 2.896, p = 0.034, ƞ2p = 0.367, and w = 0.755). There were statistically significant differences in pre-post and side-by-side analyses for the Dm of the upper trapezius in the experimental group as well as between the two groups. MIT of the lateral pterygoids is effective in decreasing upper trapezius stiffness as measured by an increase in the Dm measured by tensiomyography. The greatest change occurred in musicians with a lower percentage of Neck Disability Index at baseline.

TU-195. Effects of repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation targeting the upper trapezius muscles in children and adolescents with episodic migraine

TU-195. Effects of repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation targeting the upper trapezius muscles in children and adolescents with episodic migraine

성인 여성의 전방머리자세의 연령에 따른 통증 척도와 근활성도 비교 분석

The The purpose of this study is a comparative analysis of pain scale and muscle activity by myself in the forward head posture of adult women. Subjects were classified into adult A group(n=7) in their 20s and adult B group(n=7) in their 40s with Forward Head Posture, and examined for body composition, algometry, visual analogue scale, and muscle activity. And compared. For data processing, the mean and standard deviation were calculated using the SPSS 25.0 program, an independent t-test between groups was performed, and the significance level was set to .05. Results First, algometry showed significant differences in the sternocleidomastoid muscles(p.001) and the upper trapezius muscles such as the stomach(p.001). Significant differences also appeared in the visual analogue scale(p.001). Second, muscle activity showed a statistically significant difference in the upper trapezius muscle(p.001). Therefore, in order to verify the effect of the exercise program on the Forward Head Posture through this study, both objective and subjective Pain Scale must be examined.

Effect of Thai Tok Sen therapy on upper trapezius muscle thickness from ultrasonographic evidence

Typical signs and symptoms with pain, muscle spasm or taut band, and trigger point with referred pain to the head are mostly found in the upper shoulder area of people who suffered

Effect of Thai Tok Sen therapy on upper trapezius muscle thickness from ultrasonographic evidence

Typical signs and symptoms with pain, muscle spasm or taut band, and trigger point with referred pain to the head are mostly found in the upper shoulder

Assessment of Upper Trapezius Muscle Fatigue in Subclinical Myofascial Pain Syndrome Participants Versus Healthy Control by JASA Method

Background: Myofascial trigger points are most commonly occurs in the upper trapezius, which is the highest sensitive muscle in the body. Joint Analysis of Electromyography (EMG) Spectrum and Amplitude (JASA) method was applied to evaluate the occurrence of muscular fatigue during consecutive gripping exertions. Methods: 64 right handed subjects took part in this study. Prior to the fatigue test, the maximal voluntary contraction was measured three times. A force gauge was used for force measurement while recording with a monitor. Measurement was initiated with a Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) force of the trapezius. Results: After accomplishing fatigue protocol, they showed signs of exhaustion; however, they were not subjectively evaluated for fatigue. As the protocol aimed at assessing muscle fatigue, a force level of 80% MVC was induced. Conclusion: As revealed by the plots, the lower left quadrant could be defined as having an ‘‘force reduction’’ rather than a ‘‘fatigue’’ trait based on the natural pushing up characteristics based at the JASA plot definition, muscle fatigue or force reduction become manifested by way of above 90% of the 20 dots after fatigue test. Through the JASA method, researchers could gain insight in to the muscular fatigue condition as well as the possible underlying mechanisms.

Ergonomic Improvements to Agricultural Harvest Baskets to Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Farmers.

Typical harvesting baskets (TB) are used in various agricultural workplaces; however, no study to date has reported their effect on the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel basket with attached rotational handles (RHB) to help alleviate the work-related physical burden of farmers. We analyzed the surface electromyograms (EMGs) of seven muscles, evaluated the subjective discomfort levels and locally perceived discomfort (LPD) scores to investigate the discomfort in the whole body and seven hand muscles, respectively. The EMGs showed that muscle activity decreased in five muscles (flexor carpi ulnaris, extensor carpi radialis, lateral triceps, middle deltoid, and upper trapezius) and increased in two (biceps brachii and erector spinae) when the RHB was used (p < 0.05). The subjective discomfort score for the RHB decreased compared to that for TB (p < 0.001). The LPD scores also decreased, and the RHB and TB scores ranged from 1.25–1.40 and 3.1–3.25, respectively. The use of the RHB may prevent wrist bending, and reduce the activity of certain muscles while increasing the activity of other muscles. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct training and to evaluate the working posture while considering the affected muscles.

A Review of Research on the Effects of Backpacks on Body Posture and Spinal Morphology in Children and Adolescents

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of backpacks on body posture and spinal morphology in children and adolescents, and the relationship between them and back pain in adolescents, in order to provide a theoretical basis for further research in this area. Methods: The literature on backpacks, body posture, spinal morphology and back pain was searched and the results were analyzed. Results: The studies mainly focused on the effects of backpack type, weight and position on their muscle activity; and the main muscles studied were upper trapezius, erector spinae, and rectus abdominis, while the studies on other muscles were still insufficient. Conclusion: Backpack type and method, backpack weight, backpack strap design, backpack position, and backpack time all have different effects on muscle activity in various parts of the adolescent body, and these effects may lead to back pain, which is one of the factors affecting spinal health that cannot be ignored.

Scapular movement training is not superior to standardized exercises in the treatment of individuals with chronic shoulder pain and scapular dyskinesis: randomized controlled trial

Purpose To investigate whether scapular movement training (SMT) is superior to standardized exercises in improving scapular biomechanics, behavioral, and clinical aspects of individuals with shoulder pain. Methods and methods A total of 64 individuals with chronic shoulder pain were randomly assigned to receive 16 sessions of SMT or SE over 8 weeks. Outcome measures included three-dimensional scapular kinematics, muscle activity of scapulothoracic muscles, pain, disability, fear-avoidance, kinesiophobia, and self-perceived changes. Kinematics and muscle activity were assessed at baseline and after treatment, and self-reported measurements at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results SMT significantly (p < 0.05) decreased scapular internal rotation during arm elevation and lowering at sagittal and scapular planes (mean difference [MD]: ranged from 2.8 to 4.1°), and at lower angles of arm elevation and lowering at the frontal plane (MD: 3.4° and 2.4°, respectively), increased upper trapezius (UT) activity (MD: 10.3%) and decreased middle trapezius (MT) (MD: 60.4%) and serratus anterior (MD: 9.9%) activity during arm lowering compared to SE. Both groups significantly improved pain, disability, fear-avoidance, kinesiophobia, and self-perceived changes over 4 weeks, which was sustained over the remaining 8 weeks. Conclusions SMT is not superior to standardized exercises in improving scapular biomechanics, behavioral, and clinical aspects of individuals with shoulder pain. Clinical trial registration number NCT03528499 Implications for rehabilitation Scapular movement training (SMT) showed small and likely not clinically relevant changes in scapular kinematics and muscle activity compared to standardized exercises. SMT and standardized exercises presented similar improvements in pain, disability, fear-avoidance beliefs, kinesiophobia, and self-perceived change in health condition immediately following 4-weeks of treatment, which was sustained over the following 8 weeks. The changes in patient-reported outcome measures are unlikely to be associated with changes in scapular kinematics and electromyographic activity. Clinicians should consider other factors than scapular movement during the treatment of patients with shoulder pain.

Towards the Objective Identification of the Presence of Pain Based on Electroencephalography Signals' Analysis: A Proof-of-Concept.

This proof-of-concept study explores the potential of developing objective pain identification based on the analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) signals. Data were collected from participants living with chronic fibromyalgia pain (n = 4) and from healthy volunteers (n = 7) submitted to experimental pain by the application of capsaicin cream (1%) on the right upper trapezius. This data collection was conducted in two parts: (1) baseline measures including pain intensity and EEG signals, with the participant at rest; (2) active measures collected under the execution of a visuo-motor task, including EEG signals and the task performance index. The main measure for the objective identification of the presence of pain was the coefficient of variation of the upper envelope (CVUE) of the EEG signal from left fronto-central (FC5) and left temporal (T7) electrodes, in alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (12–30 Hz) and gamma (30–43 Hz) frequency bands. The task performance index was also calculated. CVUE (%) was compared between groups: those with chronic fibromyalgia pain, healthy volunteers with “No pain” and healthy volunteers with experimentally-induced pain. The identification of the presence of pain was determined by an increased CVUE in beta (CVUEβ) from the EEG signals captured at the left FC5 electrode. More specifically, CVUEβ increased up to 20% in the pain condition at rest. In addition, no correlation was found between CVUEβ and pain intensity or the task performance index. These results support the objective identification of the presence of pain based on the quantification of the coefficient of variation of the upper envelope of the EEG signal.

Comparative efficacy of kinesiotaping and stretching on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles in patients suffering from myofascial pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder

Aim: During the recent past, the big role of various techniques of physiotherapy in the management of various pain syndromes has been recognized. This study determined the effects of kinesiotaping and stretching on pain, cervical joint range of motion and functional status in patients with myofascial pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder.&#x0D; Methodology: We enrolled 33 patients with myofascial pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder in the study. The patients were divided into three groups; Group K received kinesiotaping, while Group S received stretching exercises, of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles. Patients in the Groups K and S received application twice a week for two weeks. No application was made to the control group (Group C). Cervical joint range of motion, muscle strength, pain, algometry tests and functional evaluation were repeated three times.&#x0D; Results: The groups were homogeneous in terms of demographics and the evaluated parameters at the beginning of the study (P &gt; 0.05). In the Groups K and S, positive improvements were achieved in visual analog scale, algometry results, distance of mandibular depression, results of Patient Health Questionnaire and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale after treatment (P &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Kinesiotaping and stretching on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles were found to have equivalent effects in reducing pain, increasing mouth opening and functionality in patients suffering from myofascial pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder.&#x0D; Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05481268&#x0D; Abbreviations: JKLS: Jaw Functional Limitation Scale, PHQ: Patient Health Questionnaire, RDC/TMD: Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, SCM: Sternocleidomastoid, TMD: Temporomandibular disorder, TMJ: Temporomandibular joint, VAS: Visual Analog Scale&#x0D; Citation: Baykan O, Narin S, Akar GC. Comparative efficacy of kinesiotaping and stretching on sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles in patients suffering from myofascial pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2022;26(5):695-701. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v26i4.2033

The Characteristics of Pain Tolerance in Patients Who Underwent Unilateral Breast Cancer Surgery: The Effect of Handedness and Surgical Site to Assess the Potential Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Function

BackgroundBreast cancer survivors (BCS) usually experience musculoskeletal pain and strength imbalance between surgical and nonsurgical sites. Material and methodsThis study aimed to assess the effect of handedness and surgical site on pain tolerance and upper extremity strength in BCS. A total of 96 female BCS (Mean age and BMI: 51.06 ± 9.36 years and 27.77 ± 3.75 kg/m2) were included in this study. BCS were categorized as “DoS” or “NoS” whether they had surgery on their dominant or nondominant site, respectively. Socio-demographic data, upper extremity strength, pain tolerance, and pain-related function measurements were performed by simple form, manual muscle tester, pain algometer, and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand's (DASH) pain subscale, respectively. ResultsPain tolerances were significantly lower in upper trapezius muscle region in the surgical site (t = -4,263, P < .001 and t = -2138, P = 0.037) while in the deltoid tuberosity, pain tolerance was significantly higher in surgical site (t = 2633, P = 0.011). Mean differences in strength in shoulder flexion and abduction were significantly lower in the DoS group compared to the NoS group (z = -3.166, P = .002 and z = -2.131, P = .033, respectively), whereas the pain subscale was significantly higher in the DoS (P = .013). ConclusionPain tolerance decreased in the upper trapezius muscle region on the surgical site irrespective of the handedness. However, in deltoid tuberosity, the effect of handedness was remarkable. Exercise programs should focus to establish a strength balance in nondominant surgery BCS since strength imbalance might be more prominent to affect them to take part in activities in daily living.

COMPARISON OF SURGEON MUSCULAR PROPERTIES BETWEEN STANDARD OPERATING MICROSCOPE AND DIGITALLY ASSISTED VITREORETINAL SURGERY SYSTEMS.

To quantitatively analyze surgical ergonomics between standard operating microscope (SOM) and digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery (DAVS) systems. The surgeon conducted procedures on 110 patients; 52 patients underwent a combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (Phaco-PPV group, 24 using SOM and 28 using DAVS), and 58 patients underwent phacoemulsification (Phaco group, 30 using SOM and 28 using DAVS). The surgeon's muscle tone and stiffness in the sternocleidomastoid and the two positions of the upper trapezius (UT), which are 2-cm intervals along the UT muscle fibers, UT1 and UT2, were measured at preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative time points. In the Phaco-PPV group using the SOM, intraoperative muscle tone and stiffness were higher than preoperative and postoperative values in the sternocleidomastoid ( P < 0.001, respectively), UT1 ( P < 0.001, respectively), and UT2 ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). In the Phaco group using the SOM, intraoperative muscle tone and stiffness were higher than pre- and postoperative values in the sternocleidomastoid ( P < 0.001, respectively) and UT1 ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). By contrast, when the surgeon used the DAVS, there were no differences in muscle properties at any measurement site or during any time point in the Phaco-PPV and Phaco groups ( P > 0.05). This study provides quantitative measurement of retina surgeon ergonomics, suggesting that compared with a SOM, the DAVS can reduce intraoperative muscle fatigue.

Comparative effects of Myofascial Technique Alone and In Combination with Isometrics on Myofascial pain Syndrome Due to Excessive Smartfone Usage

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a regional musculoskeletal pain disorder which is caused by the formation of myofascial trigger points. Myofascial trigger point pain is typical and frequently so debilitating that it is vital to receive quick and efficient treatment. This pain is commonly seen in people that are in their teenage or in adults effecting both men and women. Many interventions have been used to treat this condition by physiotherapists and respective health care providers such as trigger point release, massage therapies, acupuncture techniques, and other heat and cold therapies, among others. Objective: This study compares the efficiency of myofascial release techniques along with isometrics exercises and isolated myofascial release for the upper trapezius muscles' myofascial trigger points. Methods: It was a Randomized clinical trial carried out in the city of Faisalabad. Two groups of the patients were made and randomly assigned by lottery method. Both the groups received myofascial release techniques baseline treatment. Group A received the isometrics with myofascial release technique and group B received the isolated myofascial release technique. The Trapezius muscle's trigger points were assessed using Simon's trigger point criteria. Outcome measures were VAS and Neck pain assessment form. Results: Upon completion of the trial, NDI and VAS scores were assessed prior to and after the treatment; before treatment group A of NDI demonstrated average score of 10.7333 and group B showed 14.5333, while after treatment the score was transformed to group A; 3.4000 and group B; 4.8667. For VAS, group A and B before treatment scored 5.7333 and 5.8667, respectively, whereas, after treatment they scored 2.4667 and 2.5333, respectively. Conclusion: MFR along with isometrics was slightly more effective as compared to isolated MFR in pain alleviation and improvements of ROM but statistically both of interventions given were effective.

Scapular force: Couple ratios in healthy shoulders – An observational study reflecting typical values

BackgroundScapular stability is primarily maintained through the action of the scapular stabilisers and not through bony stability. The values of the force couple ratios of the scapular stabilisers remain largely unknown.ObjectivesTo determine typical scapular force couple strength ratios in the pain-free shoulders of healthy female and male participants.MethodsThis was a quantitative cross-sectional study. The muscle strength of the serratus anterior upper and lower fibres, the upper, middle and lower trapezius and the rhomboids (in both shoulders) were determined in kilogram force (kgf) using a handheld dynamometer. The ratios of the force couples of the scapulae of both shoulders of the participants were calculated. Participants (both female and male) with healthy shoulders were recruited from the general public (a local university, schools, church groups and sport clubs). We mainly utilised descriptive analysis. Statistical significance was set at 5%.ResultsForce couple ratios were as follows (means, with SD). Dominant arm in women: upper trapezius:lower trapezius 3.63 (0.97); serratus anterior lower fibres:lower trapezius = 1.97 (0.27); middle trapezius:serratus anterior upper fibres = 0.40 (0.10); serratus anterior lower fibres:rhomboids = 1.41 (0.21); lower trapezius:rhomboids = 0.74 (0.17). Dominant arm in men: upper trapezius:lower trapezius = 2.70 (0.72); serratus anterior lower fibres:lower trapezius = 2.15 (0.45); middle trapezius:serratus anterior upper fibres = 0.47 (0.12); serratus anterior lower fibres:rhomboids = 1.40 (0.31) and lower trapezius:rhomboids = 0.17 (0.6).ConclusionSpecific force couple strength ratios were determined, between and within the nondominant and the dominant arms of the shoulders of healthy women and men.Clinical implicationsScapular stability is mainly maintained through the optimal force couple balance of the scapular stabilisers.

Preparatory Brain Activity and Anticipatory Postural Control in Cervical Myofascial Trigger Point

Introduction: Neck pain is a highly prevalent disorder in developed countries. A myofascial trigger point (MTrP) is distinguished under the name of the fundamental excessive menstruation for it and certain reason for musculoskeletal dysfunction. MTrP refers to a sensitive spot in a taut band whose stretch and compression can induce pain. Modifications in the motor cortex, sensory input, irritability, and integration are the adaptive mechanisms to pain. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the preparatory brain activity and anticipatory postural control in chronic neck pain.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study participants included 25 women with an active MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle and 25 healthy women in the control group. We recorded the brain activities from Cz, Pz, and Fz regions and muscle activities of both sides of the upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, cervical and lumbar paraspinal, sternocleidomastoid, and medial head of the gastrocnemius. The participants had to flex their arms in reply to the second sound stimulus, followed by the first sound. Then, their reaction time and brain activity were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: Significant differences between the two groups were detected in brain activities’ measurements and the onset of muscle activation (P&lt;0.001). The exception was the onset of gastrocnemius muscle activation (P&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The current study suggests that active MTrP induces latency and lengthens the muscle reaction time; thus, the production of suitable motion after the stimulus will be affected. Brain alteration after pain damages movement changes and postural control mechanism.