Myotonometric Assessment of the Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points
1 “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Physiotherapy Program, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
2 Doctoral School, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
3 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
* Correspondence:
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 25 Apr 2021 / Revised: 11 Dec 2023 / Accepted: 21 Dec 2023 / Published: 15 Jan 2024
Abstract
(1) 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. (2) 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 Myoton Pro (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. (3) 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). (4) 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
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CITE
Burcos, I.; Vătăman (Tălîngă), A.; Onofrei, R.R. Myotonometric Assessment of the Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points. Timisoara_Med 2024, 2023, 2.
Burcos I, Vătăman (Tălîngă) A, Onofrei RR. Myotonometric Assessment of the Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points. Timisoara Medical Journal. 2024; 2023(2):2.
Burcos, Iulia; Vătăman (Tălîngă), Andreea; Onofrei, Roxana Ramona. 2024. "Myotonometric Assessment of the Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy on Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points." Timisoara_Med 2023, no. 2: 2.
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