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2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (3): 430-434Imbalance of mechanical properties about bilateral shoulder and neck muscle in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy using MyotonPROChen Weijian1, Chen Zehua1, Wu Jiatao1, Xu Xuemeng1, 2, Du Jianping2
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies had shown that the mechanical properties of the shoulder and neck muscles in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy are altered and correlated with the degree of symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To compare the mechanical properties of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscle in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy patients by MyotonPRO, and to explore the causes of shoulder and neck muscle imbalance in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy patients so as to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of the disease and rehabilitation exercises. METHODS: Totally 25 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and 25 normal people matched with baseline data were selected. MyotonPRO was used to measure the tension and hardness of sternocleidomastoid muscle and superior trapulus muscle for comparison. The muscle performance imbalance of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy patients and normal people was compared by calculating the asymmetry index. Visual analogue scale score and Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire scores of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy patients were collected for correlation analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The mean values of upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscle tension and stiffness on both sides of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy group were higher than those of the healthy group. The upper trapezius tension and stiffness of the affected side were higher than those of the contralateral side in the cervical spondylotic radiculopathy group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). (2) The upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscle tension and stiffness asymmetry indexes in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy group were significantly different from those in the healthy group (all P < 0.05). These indicated that the muscle tension and stiffness in the cervical spondylotic radiculopathy group were higher than those in the normal group. (3) Visual analogue scale score and Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire score were significantly positively correlated with upper trapezius tension and stiffness (all P < 0.05). (4) Due to the influence of local soft tissue inflammation, pain and posture, cervical spondylotic radiculopathy patients usually show increased tension and stiffness of the superior trapezius muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle. There is an obvious imbalance of tension and stiffness of the left and right sides. This change in muscle mechanics was positively correlated with pain and quality of life. Therefore, in the prevention and treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, attention should be paid to the imbalance of muscle tension and stiffness, and the imbalance should be corrected. Key words:cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, stiffness, tension |