Muscle Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 2021/01, 11(01):41. doi: 10.32098/mltj.01.2021.05, type of study: ,rct,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (http://www.mltj.online/effect-of-the-combined-therapy-of-the-muscle-energy-technique-and-trigger-point-therapy-on-the-biophysical-parameters-of-the-trapezius-muscle-a-randomized-clinical-trial/)

Keywords:

muscle energy technique [180]
MET [640]
trigger point therapy [3]
muscle [321]
cervical spine [319]
trigger points [33]
randomized controlled trial [947]

Abstract:

Background. There is a lack of scientific literature assessing the impact of a combination of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Trigger Point Therapy (TPT) on biophysical parameters in a group of asymptomatic people with latent trigger point. Methods. The research group consisted of 60 right-handed, asymptomatic students with a latent trigger point on the upper trapezius muscle, practising amateur symmetrical sports. The study used MyotonePRO to assess the tone, stiffness and elasticity of the upper trapezius muscle. Volunteers were randomly divided into three research groups, depending on the applied therapeutic method: 1) MET + TPT; 2) MET; 3) TPT. All patients underwent only one treatment of the selected therapeutic method. Measurements were made in three time intervals (before, after and on the second day after therapy). Results. Each of the performed therapies resulted in a reduction of muscle tone and stiffness of both trapezius muscles and an increase in the elasticity of both muscles. However, a statistically significant change (α ≤ 0.01) in all myotonic features examined concerned only the right trapezius after the combination of MET and TPT. Conclusions. The advantage of combined MET + TPT therapy may result from the benefits of combining methods with different therapeutic foundations.