Publications
Myotonometric Assessment of the Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points
Authors: Iulia Burcos 1, Andreea Vataman (Talinga) 2, Roxana Ramona Onofrei 3
Affiliations:
- “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Physiotherapy Program, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Research Center for Assessment of Human Motion, Functionality and Disability, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Journal: Timisoara Medical Journal - January 2024, Volume 2023, Issue 2, Article no. 2
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Field & Applications:
- Medical
- Treatment evaluation
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the short-term effects of one manual therapeutic intervention by quantifying the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of upper trapezius myofascial trigger points.
Materials and Methods: Fourteen volunteer subjects (six males and eight females) aged 22 to 47 years, with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle on both sides participated in this study. The biomechanical and viscoelastic properties were assessed with the MyotonPRO (Estonia) before the application of manual therapy (T0), then immediately after the end of the treatment session (T1) and finally one hour after the end of the treatment session (T2) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the applied treatment.
Results: The oscillation frequency in the right upper trapezius muscle was significantly lower than in the left upper trapezius muscle both immediately, after the end of the manual therapy session (p = 0.03) and one hour after the session (p = 0.03). Regarding the state of tension in the right upper trapezius, a significant decrease was observed one hour after treatment compared to baseline (p = 0.04). In the left upper trapezius muscle, one hour after treatment, the dynamic stiffness value was significantly higher than in the right upper trapezius (p = 0.01).
Conclusions: Myotonometry could become a useful method to assess the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of muscles, identifying trigger points and monitoring the results of therapy.
Keywords: myotonometry, biomechanical properties, myofascial trigger points
The results of this study showed a significant decrease in mechanical tension one hour after the end of the session in the right upper trapezius muscle. Analysis of changes in the biomechanical and visco-elastic properties at trigger points can provide useful information for understanding pathogenic mechanisms, but also for adjusting therapies. Myotonometry could be a valuable method of assessment, due to its portability, relatively low cost and its ease of use.