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The relaxation of trapezius muscles is widely believed to alleviate fatigue or injury of the trapezius muscles and reduce the risk of shoulder and neck pain. This study aims to examine the effects of different muscle relaxation techniques on the physical properties of the trapezius muscle and to explore how changes in the physical properties of the upper trapezius muscle affect those of the middle trapezius muscle.

Twenty-four healthy males (mean age: 23.08 ± 0.97 years; height: 172.42 ± 4.61 cm; weight: 66.38 ± 6.68 kg; and body mass index: 22.30 ± 1.81 kg/m2), randomly divided into four groups: stretching relaxation group (ST, n = 6), mechanical vibration massage (MV, n = 6), pulse massage (PU, n = 6), and control (CO, n = 6). Measurements using the MyotonPRO digital muscle assessment system were conducted daily over 2 weeks.

The experimental groups demonstrated a notable decrease in tension and stiffness, accompanied by heightened elasticity in the upper trapezius muscles. Conversely, the control group exhibited contrasting trends. Although no significant variances were detected among the relaxation techniques, all proved efficacious compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, relaxation of the upper trapezius muscles significantly influenced the middle trapezius muscles (P < 0.05).

Various relaxation methods positively influenced trapezius muscle attributes over 2 weeks, with inter-regional effects noted.

Keywords: muscle assessment, muscle physical characteristics, muscle relaxation, MyotonPRO, trapezius

The study investigated the impact of different muscle relaxation methods on the physical characteristics of the upper trapezius muscle, demonstrating positive effects in reducing muscle tension, stiffness, and increasing elasticity. In addition, differences between various relaxation methods were explored, revealing that stretching the upper trapezius resulted in decreased muscle tension and stiffness in the middle trapezius, whereas vibration and pulse massage on the upper trapezius increased elasticity in the middle trapezius. Therefore, after prolonged use of smartphones or extended periods of work, employing simple muscle relaxation techniques such as massage or stretching can improve muscle physical characteristics, accelerate muscle recovery, and consequently reduce or prevent the incidence of chronic shoulder and neck ailments.