The Effects of Latent Myofascial Trigger Points on Maximal Isometric Contractions of Cervico Thoracic Spine Muscles

Myofascial trigger point is a tender point within a palpable taut band of skeletal muscle, with or without referred pain. The purpose of this study is to compare maximal isometric strength of upper, middle and lower trapezius muscles in healthy individuals with cases of myofascial trigger point syndromes. In a case-control study, 15 myofascial trigger points-syndrome patients (mean age of 22.53 years) and 15 healthy persons (mean age of 22.46 years) were compared. Muscle strength of upper, middle and lower trapezius was measured with a digital myometer. The persons with latent trigger points demonstrated a significantly lower isometric strength in upper trapezius muscles (p<0.05) compared to healthy individuals. There wasn’t significant difference in middle and lower trapezius strength between the two groups (p>0.05). Latent myofascial trigger points are pain free neuromuscular lesions that are associated with decreased muscular contractile efficiency.