The influence of a depressed scapular alignment on upper limb neural tissue mechanosensitivity and local pressure pain sensitivity

Abstract Background A depressed scapular alignment could lead to prolonged and repetitive stress or compression of the brachial plexus, resulting in sensitization of neural tissue. However, no study has investigated the influence of alignment of the scapulae on sensitization of upper limb neural tis...

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Published in:Musculoskeletal science & practice 2017-06, Vol.29, p.60-65
Main Authors: Martínez-Merinero, Patricia, Lluch, Enriqe, Gallezo-Izquierdo, Tomas, Pecos-Martín, Daniel, Plaza-Manzano, Gustavo, Nuñez-Nagy, Susana, Falla, Deborah
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Case-Control Studies
Cervical spine
Dermatitis, Contact - physiopathology
Female
Humans
Male
Mechanotransduction, Cellular - physiology
Neurodynamics
Pain Perception - physiology
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Pressure
Range of Motion, Articular - physiology
Scapula
Scapula - cytology
Scapula - injuries
Upper Extremity - physiopathology
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Background A depressed scapular alignment could lead to prolonged and repetitive stress or compression of the brachial plexus, resulting in sensitization of neural tissue. However, no study has investigated the influence of alignment of the scapulae on sensitization of upper limb neural tissue in otherwise asymptomatic people. In this case-control study, we investigate the influence of a depressed scapular alignment on mechanosensitivity of the upper limb peripheral nervous system as well as pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Methods Asymptomatic individuals with neutral vertical scapular alignment (n = 25) or depressed scapular alignment (n = 25) participated. We measured the upper limb neurodynamic test (ULNT1), including assessment of symptom response and elbow range of motion (ROM), and PPT measured over upper limb peripheral nerve trunks, the upper trapezius muscle and overlying cervical zygapophyseal joints. Results Subjects with a depressed scapular reported significantly greater pain intensity (t = 5.7, p 
ISSN:2468-7812
2468-7812
DOI:10.1016/j.msksp.2017.03.001