Abstract

ZUIL ESCOBAR, J.C.; GARCIA DEL POZO, M.  and  GONZALEZ PROPIN, M.. Changes in pain threshold in myofascial trigger point after muscle energy technique. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2010, vol.17, n.7, pp.313-319. ISSN 1134-8046.

Aims: Evaluate the changes in pressure pain threshold in latent myofascial trigger points 1 of the upper trapezius after a muscle energy technique application and evaluate intra-tester reliability of an analogue algometer on this point. Material y methods: A total of 35 asymptomatic subjects with latent upper trapezius myofascial trigger point 1 were randomized in two groups: one group was treated with a muscle energy technique (group 1) and the other one (control, group 2) was not treated. Demographic variables, such as gender, age, height and weight, and pressure pain threshold was evaluated. Pressure pain threshold was evaluated using an analogue algometer three times: before the intervention, five minutes post-intervention and 24h post-intervention. For quantitative variables statistical analysis, means, ranges and standard deviations wer used; and for qualitative variables, percentages and frequencies. For inter-tester reliability intra-class correlation coefficient was used. A two-way analysis of variance for repeated measurements was used for pressure pain threshold differences. The statistical analysis was performed using a 95% confidence level. Results: Intra-class correlation coefficient showed values ranging from 0.82-0.92. No significant differences were observed for baseline values. Analysis of variance showed significant effects for time and interaction between time and group. Group 1 showed a significant increase in pressure pain threshold after five minutes intervention, but this disappeared at 24h post intervention. Group 2 showed no significant differences. Conclusions: Inter-tested reliabilty of pressure pain threshold was good. Muscle energy technique in latent upper trapezius trigger point 1 has showed an immediate increase in pressure pain threshold, but not at 24h post-intervention. More studies with a larger sample size and symptomatic subjects are required.

Keywords : Myofascial pain syndrome; Myofascial trigger point; Upper trapezius; Muscle energy technique.

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