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1- Department of Health & Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (18 Views)
Introduction: Myofascial pain syndrome caused by trigger points (TPs) can lead to complications such as hyperalgesia, limited range of motion (ROM), stiffness, weakness, proprioceptive interference, and coordination disorder The trapezius muscle is among the most common areas of TPs so that inactive TPs are reported by 78.8% of healthy people. the trapezius muscle needs special attention due to its area and function .A large number of methods have been proposed to release TPs, among which self-myofascial release (SMR) and massage have been considered as the most popular ones. The present study aims to assess the effect of the above-mentioned methods in reducing complications created by TPs in the trapezius.
Method: Totally, 45 women with TPs in the trapezius muscle were randomly divided into two experimental and one control group. The experimental group underwent intervention for five days. During the pre- and post-test, the shoulder ROM was measured by a goniometer. In addition, the pain level was evaluated by the visual analog pain scale (VAS), and the quality of hand and shoulder function was examined using the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH).
Results: pain significantly reduced in both groups (p>0/001) as well as improvement in DASH score(p>0/001). when it's come to ROM massage led to better improvement of the ROM in internal and external rotation of the shoulder (p>0/001). the ROM in flexion and abduction showed more improvement in the SMR group (p>0/001). None of the interventions affected the ROM in extension significantly (p=0.420).
Conclusion: The results indicated that both interventions can reduce the pain and improve the quality of shoulder motion. However, when it's come to ROM different result was obtained. Accordingly, massage can be more effective in internal and external rotation, while SMR exhibits more effectiveness in abduction and flexion due to the muscle connections in the trapezius.
Method: Totally, 45 women with TPs in the trapezius muscle were randomly divided into two experimental and one control group. The experimental group underwent intervention for five days. During the pre- and post-test, the shoulder ROM was measured by a goniometer. In addition, the pain level was evaluated by the visual analog pain scale (VAS), and the quality of hand and shoulder function was examined using the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH).
Results: pain significantly reduced in both groups (p>0/001) as well as improvement in DASH score(p>0/001). when it's come to ROM massage led to better improvement of the ROM in internal and external rotation of the shoulder (p>0/001). the ROM in flexion and abduction showed more improvement in the SMR group (p>0/001). None of the interventions affected the ROM in extension significantly (p=0.420).
Conclusion: The results indicated that both interventions can reduce the pain and improve the quality of shoulder motion. However, when it's come to ROM different result was obtained. Accordingly, massage can be more effective in internal and external rotation, while SMR exhibits more effectiveness in abduction and flexion due to the muscle connections in the trapezius.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Sport injury and corrective exercises
Received: 2025/11/24 | Accepted: 2026/05/4
Received: 2025/11/24 | Accepted: 2026/05/4
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