The Effects of Active Range of Motion on Upper Trapezius’ Fasciae Displacement among Individuals with and without Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Aim: This study determined the differences in upper trapezius' superficial and deep fascia slides among MPS and non-MPS participants after performing cervical active range of motion (AROM). The association between the fascia slides, age, sex, occupation, clinical diagnosis, and symptoms’ chronicity were determined. Methods: This retrospective study constituted a reliability and case-control study. Three hundred participants (174 MPS: 126 non-MPS) were included. For each fascia level, six physiotherapy interns read 19 MSUS videos. Bland Altman Plot and Single Measures Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) determined the physiotherapy interns' intratester and intertester reliability. Twelve physiotherapy interns quantified the fascia slides in 3,600 MSUS videos. MPS and non-MPS groups were compared against differences in fascia slides using independent samples t-test. A p-value of <0.05 indicated significant differences in fascia slides. Multiple regression analyses determined fascia slides and independent variables’ relationship. Results: Intertester reliability in tracking the superficial and deep fasciae was very good (ICC = 0.90 to 1.00). Intratester reliability showed minimal to no individual bias (95% CI). A significant difference in superficial fascia displacement between groups was only observed during active cervical extension (p< 0.05). No difference in cervical AROM was reported in deep fascia displacement between groups (p> 0.05). No associations were found between superficial fascia slides and independent variables (p >0.05). Sex was the only variable associated with deep fascia slide difference (p <0.05). Conclusion and Implications: Limited fascia slide is not a characteristic of individuals with MPS. There is no association between differences in fascia slides and independent variables.