Evaluation of trigger points in young subjects

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of study was to evaluate the trigger points [TrPs] in young university students. Methods: University students from both sexes were randomly evaluated and divided in two groups: students with myofascial pain syndrome [MPS] and without NIPS as a control group matched with the NIPS subjects' characteristics such as age, body mass, and sex. Average pain, fatigue severity on the visual analog scale [0-10 cm], postural abnormalities, morning stiffness, paresthesia, pain, fatigue, and number of TrPs were evaluated. Results: There were 54 subjects in the NIPS group and 60 subjects in the control group. The highest postural misalignment in both groups was found in forward head and pectoral muscle shortening. Control group male and female subjects' general evaluation score, fatigue, and number of TrPs were observed to be statistically lower than MPS group's male and female subjects [P < 0.001]. Four TrPs [M: 33.3 percent, F: 36.7 percent] in NIPS subjects and one or no TrPs [M: 66.7 percent, F: 70.0 percent] in control groups subjects were found the highest frequencies. Most of TrPs were observed on the trapezium muscle. General evaluation score and academic achievement were found higher in subjects who suffer from pain six to 11 months than in subjects who suffer from pain zero to five months [P < 0.05]. In addition, general evaluation score and TrPs were observed higher in subjects suffering pain 12 or more months than subjects suffering from pain zero to five months [P < 0.001]. Conclusions: Trigger points that developed during the school years can become chronic and seem to become more symptomatic with time. Further research is required to prevent and successfully manage TrPs that develop in young subjects.