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This study investigated the relationship between the stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle and the range of rotational movement of the cervical spine.

A total of 60 right-handed asymptomatic students participated in the study. Participants (N = 22) characterised by asymmetry in rotational movements were selected for the experimental group. A difference of ≥10° between right and left rotation of the cervical spine was considered asymmetrical. The control group (N = 38) included participants whose rotation difference was < 10°.

Belonging to the experimental or control group did not significantly differentiate trapezius muscle stiffness. The rotation side differentiated the stiffness of the right and left trapezius muscles only in the group of people with rotational movement asymmetry. There were high correlation coefficients between right cervical rotation and the stiffness of the muscle on the right side, and between rotation to the left and the stiffness of the muscle on the left side.

There is a relationship between the stiffness of the right and left upper trapezius muscles and the range of right and left rotational motion of the cervical spine. Stiffness of the upper trapezius correlates more strongly with rotation to the side on which the muscle lies than to the opposite side. Increased stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle on the side of limited cervical spine rotation is likely to be determined by the muscle fibre stretching mechanism.

Keywords: muscle differentiation, muscle analysis, musculoskeletal mechanics, slow-twitch muscle fibers, spine, musculoskeletal system, stiffness, muscle contraction

Based on the obtained results, we drew the following conclusions:

1. There is a relationship between the stiffness of the right and left upper trapezius muscles and the range of right and left rotational motion of the cervical spine.
2. Stiffness of the upper trapezius correlates more strongly with rotation to the side on which the muscle lies than to the opposite side (stiffness of the right upper trapezius correlates more strongly with rotation to the right, and of the left with rotation to the left).
3. Increased stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle on the side of limited cervical spine rotation is likely to be determined by the muscle fibre stretching mechanism.