Publications
Assessing the viscoelastic properties of upper trapezius muscle: Intra- and inter-tester reliability and the effect of shoulder elevation
Authors: C.L.Liu 1, Y.N.Feng 2, H.Q.Zhang 2, Y.P.Li 3, Y.Zhu 4, Z.J.Zhang 5
Affiliations:
- Clinical Medical College of Acupunture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Rehabilitation Therapy Center, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Louyang, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Guangzhou Sports College, Guangzhou, China
- Rehabilitation Therapy Center, Hainan Province Nongken General Hospital, Haikou, China
- Rehabilitation Therapy Center, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Louyang, China
Journal: Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology - December 2018, Volume 43, pages 226–229 (DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2017.09.007)
-
Field & Applications:
- Medical
- Sport
- Muscle symmetry
- Musculoskeletal disorder
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
- Reliability
MyotonPRO device has excellent reliability in quantifying the stiffness of upper trapezius muscle.
Background: Increasing stiffness in the upper trapezius muscle may contribute to imbalance of scapular motion, and result in shoulder and neck discomfort during shoulder flexion. Therefore, it is essential to quantify upper trapezius stiffness in various shoulder positions in order to aid in the prevention of these disorders and to optimize rehabilitation.
Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to examine the intra and inter-tester reliability of MyotonPRO device in measuring upper trapezius stiffness and its ability to determine changes in stiffness during shoulder flexion.
Methods: Twenty healthy male subjects (mean age: 28.3±4.8 years) were studied. The stiffness of upper trapezius was quantified using the MyotonPRO device.
Results: The results revealed excellent intra and inter-tester reliability for measuring upper trapezius stiffness with the shoulder in a neutral position, and also found a 14.2% increase in stiffness upon shoulder flexion between 0° and 60° of flexion. Minimal detectable change (MDC) was 26.3 N/m.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that MyotonPRO device is a feasible tool to quantify upper trapezius stiffness as well as changes in muscle stiffness. Thus, it is important to assess the changes in upper trapezius muscle stiffness due to pathology or treatments for future studies.
Keywords: MyotonPRO, Reliability, Stiffness, Upper trapezius muscle.
In conclusion, the MyotonPRO device has excellent reliability in quantifying the stiffness of upper trapezius muscle. Furthermore, changes greater than 26.3 N/m can be considered real changes. This technique is sensitive for quantifying the changes in upper trapezius stiffness during active shoulder flexion.