Effects of repeated cervical active range of motion with overpressure on fascial displacement of the upper trapezius muscle among individuals with and without myofascial pain syndrome: A case-control study

Abstract

Background

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is marked by myofascial trigger points and associated fascial adhesions that limit mobility and cause pain, reducing active cervical range of motion (AROM). This study examined differences in upper trapezius fascial displacement between individuals with and without MPS after repeated cervical AROM and analyzed its association with diagnosis, symptom laterality, age, sex, occupation, and symptom chronicity.

Methods

Twelve researchers—six measuring the superficial fascia and six measuring the deep fascia—all with reliable methods (K ≥ 0.40), analyzed 3383 superficial fascia and 3438 deep fascia ultrasound videos, respectively. An independent samples t-test compared fascia movement between participants with and without MPS. Multiple regression analyses determined the relationship between dependent variable differences in fascia displacement and independent variables diagnosis, shoulder symptom laterality, age, sex, occupation, and symptom chronicity. A p-value of <0.05 indicated significant differences.

Results

Three hundred participants (174 MPS: 126 non-MPS) were included with a median age (interquartile range) of 36 (28–43) years old. Diagnosis and shoulder symptom laterality explained only <1% of variations in the logarithmic differences in superficial fascial displacements during active cervical right rotation (p = 0.71). The dependent variables explained only 5% of the variations in logarithmic differences in deep fascial displacements during active cervical left lateral flexion (p = 0.39).

Conclusion

Limited fascial displacement was not a characteristic of MPS participants. Diagnosis, shoulder symptom laterality, age, sex, occupation, and symptom chronicity did not explain the variations in fascial displacements in MPS and non-MPS participants.

Ethics approval number

SI-2020-046-R2.

Protocol trial registration number

PHRR210302-003264.