Frequency of Myofascial Trigger Point in upper trapezius muscle and its associating factors among Physical therapist in Karachi, Pakistan: A cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

Background: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is the most familiar painful musculoskeletal condition often caused by Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP). The study objective was to determine the frequency of MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle and investigate its associating factors among physical therapists.

Methodology: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted over 258 male and female physical therapists between 20 to 45 years of age with at least 4 working hours/day. The participants filled a self-structured questionnaire, and bilateral upper trapezius MTrP was identified through the investigator's physical assessment. SPSS version 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical variables. Pearson chi-square test was used to compare the association of MTrP with age group, gender, and workplace. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:   Out of 258 samples, 70.5% (n=182) were found to have MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle. Within our group, the overall frequency of latent MTrP, i.e. 71.4%, was higher than active MTrP. Poor ergonomics of the workplace, lack of maintaining ideal posture, sleep deprivation, and emotional/psychological stress were the most rated associated factors.

Conclusion: Our study provides preliminary evidence suggesting a high-frequency rate of MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle. This study also suggested a few associated factors which are the cause of developing MTrP. These factors may be useful for developing guidelines for the risk factors and intervention of upper trapezius pain.