Preparatory Brain Activity and Anticipatory Postural Control in Cervical Myofascial Trigger Point

Marzieh Yassin; Ismail  Ebrahimi Takamjani; Saeed   Talebian; Nader    Maroufi; Javad    Sarrafzadeh; Amir     Ahmadi; Zahra Ebrahimi

doi:10.18502/jmr.v16i3.10150

Marzieh Yassin Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ismail Ebrahimi Takamjani Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Saeed Talebian Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Nader Maroufi Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Javad Sarrafzadeh Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Amir Ahmadi Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Zahra Ebrahimi Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v16i3.10150

Keywords: Chronic neck pain, Myofascial trigger point, Surface electromyography, Contingent negative variation

Abstract

Introduction: Neck pain is a highly prevalent disorder in developed countries. A myofascial trigger point (MTrP) is distinguished under the name of the fundamental excessive menstruation for it and certain reason for musculoskeletal dysfunction. MTrP refers to a sensitive spot in a taut band whose stretch and compression can induce pain. Modifications in the motor cortex, sensory input, irritability, and integration are the adaptive mechanisms to pain. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the preparatory brain activity and anticipatory postural control in chronic neck pain.

Materials and Methods: The study participants included 25 women with an active MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle and 25 healthy women in the control group. We recorded the brain activities from Cz, Pz, and Fz regions and muscle activities of both sides of the upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, cervical and lumbar paraspinal, sternocleidomastoid, and medial head of the gastrocnemius. The participants had to flex their arms in reply to the second sound stimulus, followed by the first sound. Then, their reaction time and brain activity were evaluated.

Results: Significant differences between the two groups were detected in brain activities’ measurements and the onset of muscle activation (P<0.001). The exception was the onset of gastrocnemius muscle activation (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The current study suggests that active MTrP induces latency and lengthens the muscle reaction time; thus, the production of suitable motion after the stimulus will be affected. Brain alteration after pain damages movement changes and postural control mechanism.