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Tsai P, Edison J, Wang C, Sefton J, Manning KQ, Gramlich MW. Myofascial trigger point (MTrP) size and elasticity properties can be used to differentiate characteristics of MTrPs in lower back skeletal muscle. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7562. [PMID: 38555353 PMCID: PMC10981696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57733-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are localized contraction knots that develop after muscle overuse or an acute trauma. Significant work has been done to understand, diagnose, and treat MTrPs in order to improve patients suffering from their effects. However, effective non-invasive diagnostic tools are still a missing gap in both understanding and treating MTrPs. Effective treatments for patients suffering from MTrP mediated pain require a means to measure MTrP properties quantitatively and diagnostically both prior to and during intervention. Further, quantitative measurements of MTrPs are often limited by the availability of equipment and training. Here we develop ultrasound (US) based diagnostic metrics that can be used to distinguish the biophysical properties of MTrPs, and show how those metrics can be used by clinicians during patient diagnosis and treatment. We highlight the advantages and limitations of previous US-based approaches that utilize elasticity theory. To overcome these previous limitations, we use a hierarchical approach to distinguish MTrP properties by patients' reported pain and clinician measured palpation. We show how US-based measurements can characterize MTrPs with this approach. We demonstrate that MTrPs tend to be smaller, stiffer, and deeper in the muscle tissue for patients with pain compared to patients without pain. We provide evidence that more than one MTrP within a single US-image field increases the stiffness of neighboring MTrPs. Finally, we highlight a combination of metrics (depth, thickness, and stiffness) that can be used by clinicians to evaluate individual MTrPs in combination with standard clinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Tsai
- College of Nursing, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - J Edison
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - C Wang
- Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, College of Education, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - J Sefton
- School of Kinesiology, College of Education, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - K Q Manning
- Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, College of Education, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - M W Gramlich
- Department of Physics, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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2
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Tavakkoli M, Bahrpeyma F. Elastic Modulus of Suboccipital Muscles, Cervical Range of Motion, and Forward Head Posture in Cervicogenic Headache. J Biomed Phys Eng 2023; 13:463-470. [PMID: 37868938 PMCID: PMC10589696 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2104-1298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Although stiffness of neck muscles, the limitation of cervical range of motion (ROM), and forward head posture (FHP) are proposed as clinical characteristics of cervicogenic headache (CGH), adequate consistent data failed to support these characteristics. Objective This study aims to compare the elastic modulus of suboccipital muscles, cervical ROM, and FHP between individuals suffering from CGH and healthy controls. Material and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 20 individuals with a history of CGH and 20 normal individuals participated. Sonography images and a universal goniometer (UG) were used to assess elastic modulus and cervical ROM, respectively. In addition, FHP was assessed based on measuring craniovertebral angle (CVA) using a digital imaging technique and also the distance of anterior tragus of the ear with the vertical line passed from anterior of lateral malleolus according to the Kendall and McCreary method. Results Elastic modulus of suboccipital muscles in the CGH group was significantly higher than that of the normal group (P=0.008). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of FHP. Moreover, ROM of cervical extension (P=0.035), right rotation (P=0.046), and left rotation (P=0.018) showed a significant reduction in the CGH group compared to the control group. Conclusion Suboccipital muscles are stiffer and ROM of cervical rotation and extension is smaller in CGH patients than the healthy controls, but FHP is not different between the groups, leading to diagnosing CGH and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Tavakkoli
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Bahrpeyma
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Brandl A, Wilke J, Egner C, Schmidt T, Schleip R. Effects of Maximal Eccentric Trunk Extensor Exercise on Lumbar Extramuscular Connective Tissue: A Matched-Pairs Ultrasound Study. J Sports Sci Med 2023; 22:447-454. [PMID: 37711713 PMCID: PMC10499134 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, it has been shown that the extramuscular connective tissue (ECT) is likely involved in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of maximal trunk extension eccentric exercise (EE) on ECT thickness, self-reported DOMS, ECT stiffness, skin temperature, and possible correlations between these outcomes. Healthy adults (n = 16, 29.34 ± 9.87 years) performed fatiguing EE of the trunk. A group of highly active individuals (TR, n = 8, > 14 h of sport per week) was compared with a group of less active individuals (UTR, n = 8, < 2 h of sport per week). Ultrasound measurements of ECT thickness, stiffness with MyotonPro and IndentoPro, skin temperature with infrared thermography, and pain on palpation (100 mm visual analog scale, VAS) as a surrogate for DOMS were recorded before (t0), immediately (t1), 24 h (t24), and 48 h (t48) after EE. ECT thickness increased after EE from t0 to t24 (5.96 mm to 7.10 mm, p = 0.007) and from t0 to t48 (5.96 mm to 7.21 mm, p < 0.001). VAS also increased from t0 to t24 (15.6 mm to 23.8 mm, p < 0.001) and from t0 to t48 (15.6 mm to 22.8 mm, p < 0.001). Skin temperature increased from t1 to t24 (31.6° Celsius to 32.7° Celsius, p = 0.032) and t1 to t48 (31.6° Celsius to 32.9° Celsius, p = 0.003), while stiffness remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed no linear relationship between the outcomes within the 48-hour measurement period. The results may confirm previous findings of possible ECT involvement in the genesis of DOMS in the extremities also for the paraspinal ECT of trunk extensors. Subsequent work should focus on possible interventions targeting the ECT to prevent or reduce DOMS after strenuous muscle EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Brandl
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute for Human Movement Science, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department for Medical Professions, Diploma Hochschule, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany
- Vienna School of Osteopathy, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Wilke
- Department of Movement Sciences, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Christoph Egner
- Department for Medical Professions, Diploma Hochschule, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmidt
- Osteopathic Research Institute, Osteopathie Schule Deutschland, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Schleip
- Department for Medical Professions, Diploma Hochschule, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopedics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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4
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Cankurtaran D, Aykın Yığman Z, Güzel Ş, Umay E. The importance of myofascial trigger points in chronic neck pain: An ultrasonography preliminary study. PM R 2023; 15:954-964. [PMID: 36989071 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasonographic evaluation of trigger points detected by physical examination in patients with myofascial pain syndrome is being used more frequently in clinical care. However, the sonographic appearance of trigger points, in association with pain and disability, has not been adequately described. OBJECTIVE To reveal the presence of trigger points with ultrasonography in those with myofascial pain syndrome and to determine if ultrasound images can help discriminate between demographic and disease characteristics. METHODS Fifty-two participants with chronic neck pain (NP) were in this cross-sectional study. The pain intensity was evaluated using a 0-10 cm visual analog scale (VAS). The neck disability index measured the NP-induced disability status of the participants. Ultrasonography was used to measure the thicknesses of the paraspinal muscles and the presence of hypoechoic areas within these muscles. RESULTS There was a positive correlation between the VAS scores of the participants and the ultrasonographic detection of myofascial trigger points (MTPs) in the multifidus and middle trapezius muscles (right/left r = .30, p = .027; r = .29, p = .029; r = .32, p = .009, r = .30, p = .011, respectively). These features correlated with the disability levels of the participants and the MTPs on both the right and left sides of the splenius, multifidus, upper trapezius, and middle trapezius (r = .32, p = .028; r = .38, p = .013, r = .25, p = .027; r = .33, p = .016; r = .25, p = .025, r = .32, p = .018, r = .28, p = .013, r = .29, p = .016, respectively). A significant correlation was present between the detection of MTP at ultrasonography and decreased muscle thickness in the relevant muscles (between p = .001 and p = .034). CONCLUSION The detection of MTPs with ultrasonography is associated with the severity of pain and disability in those with chronic NP. Features on ultrasound include hypoechoic changes within muscle and reduced muscle thickness associated with MTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damla Cankurtaran
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Aykın Yığman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ankara Mamak State Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Şükran Güzel
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ebru Umay
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Assessing reliability and validity of different stiffness measurement tools on a multi-layered phantom tissue model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:815. [PMID: 36646734 PMCID: PMC9842673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27742-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness) of soft tissues have been linked to musculoskeletal disorders, pain conditions, and cancer biology, leading to a rising demand for diagnostic methods. Despite the general availability of different stiffness measurement tools, it is unclear as to which are best suited for different tissue types and the related measurement depths. The study aimed to compare different stiffness measurement tools' (SMT) reliability on a multi-layered phantom tissue model (MPTM). A polyurethane MPTM simulated the four layers of the thoracolumbar region: cutis (CUT), subcutaneous connective tissue (SCT), fascia profunda (FPR), and erector spinae (ERS), with varying stiffness parameters. Evaluated stiffness measurement tools included Shore Durometer, Semi-Electronic Tissue Compliance Meter (STCM), IndentoPRO, MyotonPRO, and ultrasound imaging. Measurements were made by two independent, blinded examiners. Shore Durometer, STCM, IndentoPRO, and MyotonPRO reliably detected stiffness changes in three of the four MPTM layers, but not in the thin (1 mm thick) layer simulating FPR. With ultrasound imaging, only stiffness changes in layers thicker than 3 mm could be measured reliably. Significant correlations ranging from 0.70 to 0.98 (all p < 0.01) were found. The interrater reliability ranged from good to excellent (ICC(2,2) = 0.75-0.98). The results are encouraging for researchers and clinical practitioners as the investigated stiffness measurement tools are easy-to-use and comparatively affordable.
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Buot A, Brownhill K, Lange F. Upper Trapezius Muscle Tonicity, Assessed by Palpation, Relates to Change in Tissue Oxygenation and Structure as Measured by Time-Domain Near Infrared Spectroscopy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1395:417-421. [PMID: 36527672 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-14190-4_68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Palpation is a diagnostic tool widely used by manual therapists despite its disputed reliability and validity. Previous studies have usually focused on the detection of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), i.e., the points within muscles thought to have undergone molecular composition, oxygenation and structural changes, altering their tonicity. Time-domain near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-NIRS) could provide new insights into soft tissue oxygenation and structure, in order to objectively assess the validity and reliability of palpation. This pilot study aims at (1) assessing the ability of TD-NIRS to detect a difference between palpably normal and hypertonic upper trapezius (UT) muscles, and (2) to estimate the reproducibility of the TD-NIRS measurement on UT muscles. TD-NIRS measurements were performed on 4 points of the UT muscles in 18 healthy participants (10F, mean age: 27.6 years), after a physical examination by a student osteopath to locate these points and identify the most and least hypertonic. From TD-NIRS, the most hypertonic points had a higher concentration in deoxy- ([HHb]) (0.887 ± 0.253 μM, p < 0.001) and total haemoglobin ([HbT]) (1.447 ± 0.772 μM, p < 0.001), a lower tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) (-0.575 ± 0.286%, p < 0.001), and a greater scattering amplitude factor (AF) (0.2238 ± 0.1343 cm-1, p = 0.001) than the least hypertonic points. Moreover, the intraclass correlation coefficient one-way random-effects model (ICC (1,1)) calculated for each TD-NIRS parameter and for each point revealed an excellent reliability of the measurement (Mean ± SD, 0.9253 ± 0.0678). These initial results, showing that changes in TD-NIRS parameters correlate with changes in muscle tonicity as assessed by palpation, are encouraging and show that TD-NIRS could help to further assess the validity of palpation as a diagnostic tool in manual therapy.
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Mazza DF, Boutin RD, Chaudhari AJ. Assessment of Myofascial Trigger Points via Imaging: A Systematic Review. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 100:1003-1014. [PMID: 33990485 PMCID: PMC8448923 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000001789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study systematically reviewed the published literature on the objective characterization of myofascial pain syndrome and myofascial trigger points using imaging methods. PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library databases were used, whereas citation searching was conducted in Scopus. Citations were restricted to those published in English and in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2021. Of 1762 abstracts screened, 69 articles underwent full-text review, and 33 were included. Imaging data assessing myofascial trigger points or myofascial pain syndrome were extracted, and important qualitative and quantitative information on general study methodologies, study populations, sample sizes, and myofascial trigger point/myofascial pain syndrome evaluation were tabulated. Methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed based on the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies criteria. Biomechanical properties and blood flow of active and latent myofascial trigger points assessed via imaging were found to be quantifiably distinct from those of healthy tissue. Although these studies show promise, more studies are needed. Future studies should focus on assessing diagnostic test accuracy and testing the reproducibility of results to establish the best performing methods. Increasing methodological consistency would further motivate implementing imaging methods in larger clinical studies. Considering the evidence on efficacy, cost, ease of use and time constraints, ultrasound-based methods are currently the imaging modalities of choice for myofascial pain syndrome/myofascial trigger point assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario F. Mazza
- Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Robert D. Boutin
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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Is early diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome possible with the detection of latent trigger points by shear wave elastography? Pol J Radiol 2021; 86:e425-e431. [PMID: 34429789 PMCID: PMC8369817 DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2021.108537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the contribution of shear wave elastography to the diagnosis of myo-fascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the upper part of the trapezius. Material and methods Ethical committee approval was obtained for the study. Thirty volunteer women with trigger points in the upper part of the trapezius muscle and 30 healthy women with a similar age distribution were included in the study. The patient group performed a self-stretching exercise program for 4 weeks. No intervention was applied to the control group. Muscle stiffness values of both groups were evaluated with shear wave elastography (SWE), and pain levels of all volunteers were evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale at the beginning and the end of the study. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 18.0. Results There was a significant decrease after the treatment in terms of upper trapezius muscle stiffness and the pain levels in the patient group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). In the patient group, there was a moderate correlation between the decrease in the pain level and the reductions in muscle stiffness (r = 0.595). In control group, there was no significant difference in terms of both muscle stiffness and pain levels before and after treatment (p > 0.05). Conclusions SWE is a reliable method for detecting latent trigger points in MPS, and it can be used for evaluating the response to treatment.
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Evans V, Behr M, Gangwar A, Noseworthy MD, Kumbhare D. Potential Role of MRI Imaging for Myofascial Pain: A Scoping Review for the Clinicians and Theoretical Considerations. J Pain Res 2021; 14:1505-1514. [PMID: 34079365 PMCID: PMC8166277 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s302683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain is chronic myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). MPS often presents with increased muscle stiffness, and the myofascial trigger point (MTrP). Imaging modalities have been used to identify the MTrP, but their role in the detection and diagnosis of MPS remains unclear. The purpose of this review was to identify evidence in literature for the use of imaging in the role of classifying and explaining the physiology of MTrPs. Since few imaging techniques have been performed on MTrPs, we explored the imaging techniques that can effectively image complex skeletal muscle microstructure, and how they could be used. As part of a scoping review, we conducted a systematic search from three medical databases (CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE) from year to year to analyze past MTrP imaging, as well as analyzing imaging techniques performed on the microstructure of muscle. Previously, ultrasound has been used to differentiate active, latent MTrPs, but these studies do not adequately address their underlying anatomical structure. MRI remains the standard method of imaging skeletal muscle. The existing MRI literature suggests that the DTI technique can quantify muscle injury, strain, and structure. However, theoretically, HARDI and DKI techniques seem to provide more information for complex structural areas, although these modalities have a disadvantage of longer scan times and have not been widely used on skeletal muscle. Our review suggests that DTI is the most effective imaging modality that has been used to define the microstructure of muscle and hence, could be optimal to image the MTrP. HARDI and DKI are techniques with theoretical potential for analysis of muscle, which may provide more detailed information representative of finer muscle structural features. Future research utilizing MRI techniques to image muscle are necessary to provide a more robust means of imaging skeletal muscle and the MTrP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Evans
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Behr
- University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anshika Gangwar
- University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael D Noseworthy
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dinesh Kumbhare
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University Health Network - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Sedlackova Z, Vita M, Herman J, Furst T, Dornak T, Herman M. Elasticity of neck muscles in cervicogenic headache. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2021; 166:328-333. [PMID: 34017143 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2021.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To compare the elasticity of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles in patients with cervicogenic headache and in healthy volunteers. METHODS The medical history of 23 patients with cervicogenic headache was taken with a focus on pain characteristics. Elasticity of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles was measured by using shear wave elastography. Results were then compared with 23 healthy volunteers. RESULTS The sternocleidomastoid muscle was significantly stiffer in patients with cervicogenic headache compared to healthy volunteers. The stiffness increased gradually from the parasternal area, where it was negligible, to the area near the mastoid process where it reached over 20 kPa. There was no difference in the stiffness of the trapezius muscle. The stiffness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle does show a significant dependence on headache characteristics (e.g., laterality, severity, or frequency). CONCLUSION The results of this pilot study show that patients with cervicogenic headache have a higher stiffness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle than healthy volunteers. These findings suggest that elastography could be used as a diagnostic tool in cervicogenic headache.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Sedlackova
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, I. P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Department of Radiological Methods, Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, I. P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Vita
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, I. P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Herman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, I. P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Furst
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, I. P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Dornak
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, I. P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Herman
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc and University Hospital Olomouc, I. P. Pavlova 6, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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11
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Togha M, Bahrpeyma F, Jafari M, Nasiri A. A sonographic comparison of the effect of dry needling and ischemic compression on the active trigger point of the sternocleidomastoid muscle associated with cervicogenic headache: A randomized trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2021; 33:749-759. [PMID: 31815684 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-171077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervicogenic headache (CeH) is among the common types of headache which has an undesirable influence on the quality of life. The myofascial trigger point (MTrP) within the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is one of the most important causes of CeH. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of dry needling (DN) and ischemic compression (IC) on the headache symptoms as well as MTrP-related features in subjects with CeH originating from MTrPs of the SCM muscle using a sonographic method. METHODS A total of 29 female subjects aged 35.34 ± 12.19 on average with a clinical diagnosis of CeH originating from MTrP in the SCM muscle were randomly divided into the DN, IC, and control groups. Both DN and IC groups received 4 treatment sessions. Headache intensity, duration, frequency, MTrP elastic modulus, MTrP area, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed 2 weeks before and after treatments. RESULTS In both DN and IC groups, a significant improvement was found in the headache intensity, duration, frequency, PPT, and MTrP area (P< 0.05). No significant differences were observed between DN and IC (P> 0.05). Pearson correlation revealed a significant correlation between headache intensity and the MTrP elastic modulus (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both interventions could reduce headache symptoms, PPT, and MTrP area. Neither intervention was found to be superior to the other in short-term follow-up. IC may be preferred since it has fewer unwanted side effects compared to DN. Based on the data, it may be concluded that some MTrP biomechanical features such as stiffness may influence the produced headache symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoureh Togha
- Department of Neurology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Headache Department, Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Bahrpeyma
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jafari
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Nasiri
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Li L, Stoop R, Clijsen R, Hohenauer E, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Huang Q, Barbero M. Criteria Used for the Diagnosis of Myofascial Trigger Points in Clinical Trials on Physical Therapy: Updated Systematic Review. Clin J Pain 2020; 36:955-967. [PMID: 32841969 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to conduct an updated systematic review of diagnostic criteria for myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) used in clinical trials of physical therapy interventions from 2007 to 2019. METHODS MEDLINE and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were searched using the following MeSH keywords: "trigger points," "trigger point," "myofascial trigger point," "myofascial trigger points," "myofascial pain," and "myofascial pain syndrome." The MeSH keywords were combined by using Boolean operators "OR"/"AND." All physiotherapy clinical trials including patients with musculoskeletal conditions characterized by at least 1 active MTrP or latent MTrP in any body area were selected. We pooled data from an individual criterion and criteria combinations used to diagnose MTrPs. The protocol was developed in accordance with the PRISMA-P guidelines. RESULTS Of 478 possibly relevant publications, 198 met the inclusion criteria. Of these 198 studies, 129 studies (65.1%) stated specifically the diagnostic criteria used for MTrPs in the main text, 56 studies (28.3%) failed to report any method whereby MTrP was diagnosed, and 13 studies (6.6%) adopted expert-based definitions for MTrPs without specification. Of 129 studies, the 6 criteria applied most commonly were: "spot tenderness" (n=125, 96.9%), "referred pain" (95, 73.6%), "local twitch response" (63, 48.8%), pain recognition (59, 45.7%), limited range of motion" (29, 22.5%), and "jump sign" (10, 7.8%). Twenty-three combinations of diagnostic criteria were identified. The most frequently used combination was "spot tenderness," "referred pain," and "local twitch response" (n=28 studies, 22%). CONCLUSIONS A number of the included studies failed in properly reporting the MTrP diagnostic criteria. Moreover, high variability in the use of MTrP diagnostic was also observed. Spot tenderness, referred pain, and local twitch response were the 3 most popular criteria (and the most frequently used combination). A lack of transparency in the reporting of MTrP diagnostic criteria is present in the literature. REGISTRY This systematic review was registered under the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, PROSPERO number: CRD42018087420.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Li
- Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen
- Department of Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Rahel Stoop
- Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno
- International University of Applied Sciences THIM, Landquart, Switzerland
| | - Ron Clijsen
- Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno
- International University of Applied Sciences THIM, Landquart, Switzerland
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erich Hohenauer
- Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno
- International University of Applied Sciences THIM, Landquart, Switzerland
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Qiangmin Huang
- Department of Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Marco Barbero
- Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno
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Weber P, Graf C, Klingler W, Weber N, Schleip R. The feasibility and impact of instrument-assisted manual therapy (IAMT) for the lower back on the structural and functional properties of the lumbar area in female soccer players: a randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study design. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:47. [PMID: 32322406 PMCID: PMC7164264 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00592-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofascial (self-)treatments, such as foam rollers to therapeutic instruments in manual therapy, are utilized increasingly in prevention and therapy in healthy people, athletes, and patients suffering from chronic back pain. However, there is limited knowledge about the effectiveness of treatment and the underlying mechanisms of myofascial therapies, especially for instrument-assisted manual therapy (IAMT). Therefore, this pilot study will investigate the feasibility and impact of IAMT for the lumbar area compared with heat application and placebo treatment as a basis for calculating the sample size for further full studies. The primary outcomes will be a critical analysis of the feasibility of the measurement protocol in terms of time economy and expressiveness and of the short- and long-term effects on shear motion of the single tissue layers of the lower back obtained through ultrasound imaging. Secondary outcomes will include thickness and compressibility of the lumbar structures and flexibility of the dorsal structures, indentometry, and superficial skin temperature. METHODS A minimum of 60 healthy, competitive 15-35-year-old female soccer players will be recruited and randomised into three groups. Short-term effects of IAMT on thoracolumbar structures will be compared with heat application and pressure-less placebo treatment. Long-term effects in the IAMT group will be tested after nine further interventions over a 5-week period (2×/week) and compared with the placebo group, which will not receive further treatments but will serve as a control. Intermediate and final testing of both groups will occur in weeks three and five. DISCUSSION This pilot study will assess the feasibility and the impact of IAMT for the lower back particularly by examining the structural and functional properties of myofascial tissue using diagnostic ultrasound. These outcomes could evaluate the feasibility of the measurements used, shall build a basis for sample size calculation of further full studies, and might generate a greater understanding of myofascial therapies, especially IAMT, for the lower back and its benefits. If this approach proves to be practicable, next steps will be further full studies with soccer players, other sports, and patients with low back pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00012252) 20.06.2018; retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Weber
- Department Movement and Health Promotion, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christine Graf
- Department Movement and Health Promotion, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Werner Klingler
- Anaesthesiology, SRH Hospitals Sigmaringen, Sigmaringen, Germany
- Experimental Anaesthesiology, Ulm University, Germany, Ulm, Germany
- Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nadine Weber
- Department Cardiology, Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert Schleip
- Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopaedics, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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14
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Nagai T, Schilaty ND, Krause DA, Crowley EM, Hewett TE. Sex Differences in Ultrasound-Based Muscle Size and Mechanical Properties of the Cervical-Flexor and -Extensor Muscles. J Athl Train 2020; 55:282-288. [PMID: 31967864 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-482-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Neck pain (NP), neck injuries, and concussions are more prevalent in female athletes than in their male counterparts. Females exhibit less neck girth, strength, and stiffness against a perturbation. As part of the clinical examination for individuals with NP, ultrasound (US)-based imaging of the cervical muscles has become common. Muscle size or thickness and stiffness can be measured with US-based B-mode and shear-wave elastography (SWE), respectively. Information on reliability, normative values, and sex differences based on US-based muscle size or thickness and stiffness in young and athletic individuals is limited. OBJECTIVE To evaluate sex differences in US-based muscle size or thickness and biomechanical properties of the cervical-flexor and -extensor muscles. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 13 women (age = 23.7 ± 1.9 years, height = 167.1 ± 6.1 cm, mass = 63.8 ± 5.6 kg) and 11 men (age = 25.6 ± 4.9 years, height = 178.7 ± 8.3 cm, mass = 78.9 ± 12.0 kg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The same examiner collected all measures, using US B-mode to scan the cross-sectional area and thickness of the longus colli (LC), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), cervical-extensor muscles, and upper trapezius (UT) muscle. The US SWE-mode was used to measure the stiffness of the SCM and UT. Independent t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were calculated to determine sex differences. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) measured intrarater test-retest reliability. RESULTS Men had thicker SCMs than women (P = .01). No sex differences were present for longus colli cross-sectional area, cervical-extensor muscle thickness, or UT thickness (P > .05). In addition, no sex differences were evident for SCM (P = .302) or UT (P = .703) SWE stiffness. Reliability was good to excellent (ICC = 0.715-0.890) except for SCM SWE stiffness (ICC = 0.554). CONCLUSIONS The only sex difference was in SCM thickness. However, smaller SCMs in women did not result in less SCM SWE stiffness. We provided normative values for US-based imaging of the cervical-flexor and -extensor muscles in young and athletic men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nagai
- Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Nathan D Schilaty
- Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - David A Krause
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Eric M Crowley
- Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Timothy E Hewett
- Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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