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Ethics code: IR.SUMS.REHAB.REC.1397.001

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Students with mild kyphosis had more trigger points in shoulder and scapular regions than those with normal posture
Narjes Safavi * 1, Shohreh Taghizadeh1 , Elham Ahmadi Ashan1
1- Rehabilitation Sciences Research Center, Dept. of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Abstract:   (93 Views)

Objectives:
Painful trigger points may be caused or exacerbated by many factors, including abnormal spinal posture. This study was planned to compare painful trigger points in the shoulder and scapular areas of mildly kyphotic subjects versus those with a normal spine among physiotherapy (PT) students enrolled at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Methods:
Sixty PT students, 30 with mild kyphosis and 30 with a normal spine, were randomly and voluntarily recruited. The data collection was planned based on the subjects' spinal posture, shoulder and scapular pain levels, and the intensity of pain evoked in response to pressure. The spinal posture was assessed using a flexible ruler, while the trigger points were evaluated as described previously by Travell and Simon. A digital pressure algometer assessed the subjects' pain thresholds, and the pain levels were quantified using a visual analog scale.

Results
The study data indicated significant differences between the mildly kyphotic subjects and those with a normal thoracic spine concerning their trigger points, pain scales, and pressure thresholds that caused pain. Despite the significant differences between both groups for their latent trigger points, the mean scores for the active trigger points were not significantly different.

Discussion:
There were more trigger points in students with mild kyphosis than in those with a normal spine. The findings suggest that mild thoracic kyphosis, likely from imbalanced paraspinal muscles, may be linked to the development of trigger points in mildly kyphotic students.
 
Keywords: Mild kyphosis, Painful trigger points, Posture, Pressure pain thresholds, Shoulder and scapular pain
     
Article type: Original Research Articles | Subject: Rehabilitation Management
Received: 2023/02/27 | Accepted: 2023/05/8
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