Mary Kate McDonnell

Influence of scapular position on the pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius muscle region

A position of scapula depression will maintain the upper trapezius muscle region in a lengthened position, causing excessive strain. This strain could lead to peripheral nociceptive nerves sensitization in the affected area, changing the pressure pain threshold (PPT). Thus, people with a faulty alignment of scapular depression may have lower PPT levels in the upper trapezius region when compared to subjects with normal vertical scapular position. The purpose of this double‐blind study was to assess the influence of scapular position on the PPT of the upper trapezius region in a young healthy population. Fifty two physical therapy students of the Catholic University of Minas Gerais – PUC‐Minas, Brazil, with normal shoulder (NS group, n=26, 6 men and 20 women) or depressed shoulder (DS group, n=26, 6 men and 20 women) volunteered to participate in this study. An electronic pressure algometer was used to measure the PPT on the upper trapezius muscle region. The results showed a significant difference between groups, with the DS group (19.0±9.0N/cm2) demonstrated lower mean PPT values when compared to NS group (26.1±9.6N/cm2) (p<0.01). Our results showed that healthy young subjects with depressed scapula position had significant lower upper trapezius PPT values when compared to subjects with normal scapula position.

The immediate effect of passive scapular elevation on symptoms with active neck rotation in patients with neck pain.

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of elevating the scapulae on symptoms during neck rotation. MethodsA retrospective analysis of clinical records was conducted. One physical therapist examined 46 patients with neck pain (30 women, 16 men; mean age 45.89+14.39 y) using a standardized examination. Patients had a long-standing history of neck pain with a moderate level of symptoms and disability. Reports of symptoms were obtained in 2 scapulae position conditions: a patient-preferred scapulae position and a passively elevated scapulae position. ResultsIn the patient-preferred positions, 29 (63%) of the 46 patients reported an increase in symptoms with neck rotation in at least one direction. In the scapulae elevated position, a significant percentage of patients reported a decrease in symptoms with neck rotation, right (82%) and left (76%) (both comparisons, P≤0.01). ConclusionsPassive elevation of the scapulae resulted in a decrease in symptoms with right and left neck rotation in the majority of patients. These findings are important because they indicate that neck symptoms can be immediately improved within the context of the examination. Such information potentially can be used to assist in directing intervention.

Het effect van de stand van de knie en de heup op de heupextensie bij personen met en zonder rugklachten

Effect of knee and hip position on hip extension range of motion in individuals with and without low back pain [Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 2000;30(6):307-16]