Reliability of assessment of upper trapezius morphology, its mechanical properties and blood flow in female patients with myofascial pain syndrome using ultrasonography

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies 2017-01, Vol.21 (1), p.35-40
• Main Authors: Adigozali, Hakimeh, PhD.PT, Shadmehr, Azadeh, PhD.PT, Ebrahimi, Esmail, PhD.PT, Rezasoltani, Asghar, PhD.PT, Naderi, Farrokh, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Blood flow; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Female; Hemodynamics; Humans; Myofascial pain syndrome; Myofascial Pain Syndromes - diagnostic imaging; Myofascial Pain Syndromes - physiopathology; Neck Pain - diagnostic imaging; Neck Pain - physiopathology; Observer Variation; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Reproducibility of Results; Stiffness; Superficial Back Muscles - diagnostic imaging; Superficial Back Muscles - physiopathology; Trigger Points - diagnostic imaging; Trigger Points - physiopathology; Ultrasonography; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.04.010

Summary Objective In the present study, the intra-rater reliability of upper trapezius morphology, its mechanical properties and intramuscular blood circulation in females with myofascial pain syndrome were assessed using ultrasonography. Design A total of 37 patients (31.05 ± 10 years old) participated in this study. Ultrasonography producer was set up in three stages: a) Gray-scale: to measure muscle thickness, size and area of trigger points; b) Ultrasound elastography: to measure muscle stiffness; and c) Doppler imaging: to assess blood flow indices. Results According to data analysis, all variables, except End Diastolic Velocity (EDV), had excellent reliability (>0.806). Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for EDV was 0.738, which was considered a poor to good reliability. Conclusion The results of this study introduced a reliable method for developing details of upper trapezius features using muscular ultrasonography in female patients. These variables could be used for objective examination and provide guidelines for treatment plans in clinical settings.