Correlation Between Skin Temperature Over Myofascial Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle and Range of Motion, Electromyographic Activity, and Pain in Chronic Neck Pain Patients

Author(s)

Girasol, Carlos Eduardo ^[1] ; Dibai-Filho, Almir Vieira ^[1] ; de Oliveira, Alessandra Kelly ^[1] ; de Jesus Guirro, Rinaldo Roberto ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Med Sch Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biomech Med & Rehabil Locomotor Apparat, Postgrad Program Rehabil & Funct Performance, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF MANIPULATIVE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS; v. 41, n. 4, p. 350-357, MAY 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between skin temperature over a myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle and range of motion of the cervical spine, electromyographic activity, and pain in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: This is a single-blind cross-sectional study. Forty participants of both sexes, aged 18 to 45 years, with chronic neck pain and myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle were included in the study. The participants were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale, the Neck Disability Index, infrared thermography, algometry, fleximetry, and electromyographic activity. Results: A positive association was observed between skin temperature to the right with the range of motion of cervical flexion (r = 0.322, P = .043), the median frequency of isometrics to the right (r = 0.341, P = .032), and the median frequency of rest to the left (r(s) = 0.427, P = .006); as were a negative association between skin temperature to the right and the root mean square of rest to the right (r(s) = -0.447, P = .004), and a positive association of skin temperature to the left with the median frequency of isometrics to the right (r = 0.365, P = .020), and the median frequency of rest to the left (r(s) = 0.573, P < .001). Conclusion: Patients with chronic neck pain who had reduction of skin temperature over myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle had reduced cervical range of motion for flexion, reduced median frequency at rest and during isometric contraction, and increased root mean square at rest. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/09753-1 - Effectiveness of physiotherapeutic resources in the treatment of myofascial trigger points in patients with neck pain: blinded randomized clinical trial
• Grantee: Almir Vieira Dibai Filho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/19368-8 - Effectiveness of physiotherapy resources in the treatment of myofascial trigger points in patients with neck pain: blinded randomized clinical trial
• Grantee: Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus Guirro
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/04076-7 - Correlation between skin temperature on myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle and range of motion, pain and electromyographic activity in patients with chronic neck pain
• Grantee: Carlos Eduardo Girasol
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation