Standardized manual palpation of myofascial trigger points in relation to neck/shoulder pain; the influence of clinical experience on inter-examiner reproducibility.

摘要: A diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) requires palpation for the identification at least one clinically relevant trigger point (TP). However, few comparable, high quality studies currently exist from which to draw firm conclusions regarding robustness TP examination. An inter-observer agreement study was conducted using two experienced and inexperienced clinicians. All performed standardized upper Trapezius musculature, judging clinical relevance TP(s) clinician global assessment (GA). random case mix 81 female participants examined, 14 asymptomatic remainder suffering neck/shoulder pain. Examiners received psychomotor skills training video feedback analysis improve protocol standardization. Kappa co-efficient calculations indicated good between pairing (κ = 0.63), moderate mixed pairings 0.35 0.47) poor 0.22). Inter-observer not stable with exhibiting a sharp decline in during latter portion study. Identification TPs musculature is reproducible when by clinicians, however, observer can yield acceptable agreement. protracted period data collection may be detrimental agreement; more investigation needed this regard.