Does myofascial trigger points influence on neck muscles activity of migraine patients? a controlled study

• Grant number: 14/13103-5
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 03, 2014
• Effective date (End): November 02, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal researcher: Débora Bevilaqua Grossi
• Grantee: Lidiane Lima Florencio
• Supervisor abroad: César Fernández de las Peñas
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón (URJC), Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 12/22245-2 - Evaluation of maximum strength and motor control of the cervical spine by dynamometry and surface electromyography in the women with migraine and chronic migraine: a controlled study, BP.DR

Abstract

Background: the association between migraine, neck pain, neck disability and trigger points has been reported over the last decade, but the repercussions of these associations at neck muscles motor control and force generation has not been very well investigated.Objective:to compare surface electromyography activity (sEMG) of neck muscles during the performance at the cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT) of migraine and non-headache volunteers and to investigate if the presence of triggers points influence on the muscle activity during CCFT. The hypothesis is that migraine patients, compared to control group, will present an elevated activity of the superficial neck flexors during CCFT, an altered co-activation of antagonist muscles and the presence of trigger points will correlate directly with these findings.Methods: Twenty migraine patients and twenty non-headache subjects will be assessed about headache and neck pain frequencies, intensities and durations, the presence of trigger points at neck muscleswill be evaluated. The volunteers will perform the CCFT and a maximal voluntary contraction of cervical extension and flexion, simultaneously will be analyzed the sEMG of sternocleidomastoid, anterior scalene, semispinaliscapitis and splenius capitis.Expect results: We expect that the findings of this study will help to provide a deeper understanding of the association between the migraine and neck conditions, which will support some physical therapy interventions. (AU)