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Changes in sEMG, Clench Force, and Pain Following Osteopathic Counterstrain Treatment Directed to the Forearm and Upper Trapezius

Journal: The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association Date: 2010/01, 110(1):Pages: 26-27. doi: Subito , type of study: pretest posttest design

Full text    (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2010.110.1.24/html)

Keywords:

arm [52]
counterstrain [59]
electromyography [26]
pretest posttest design [214]
trapezius muscle [17]

Abstract:

Hypothesis: We sought to provide evidence for the assertion that counterstrain releases muscle tension at the site of somatic dysfunction. Materials and Methods: Fourty-six volunteers ranging in age from 23 to 62, were recruited from ATSU to participate in this 5-week study. We recorded muscle strength and fatigue using BIOPAC electromyography to analyze motor recruitment after treatment during once-weekly sessions. Subjects were tested for tender points (indicator of somatic dysfunction) present in the flexor muscles of the forearm and ranked the perceived pain level using a visual analog scale. An algometer was used to determine the level of force required to elicit the same level of palpated pain. The operator rated for the degree of tissue texture changes felt at the tender point. Subjects squeezed an isometric hand dynamometer to measure the force of muscle contraction of the hand/wrist flexors in their dominant hand. Muscle recruitment was monitored by using EMG probes. Week 1 provided baseline data. In the following weeks, a Jones Counterstrain technique was applied to the forearm (weeks 2 and 3) and then the trapezius (weeks 4 and 5). Following treatment, each tender point found was rated by the subject and an algometer reading was taken. Muscle recruitment, tissue texture change, and force of muscle contraction were measured again. Results: Counterstrain to the forearm corresponded with greater change in palpated tissue texture changes, pre- to post-therapy, than did administering therapy to the trapezius (P=.02). The impact of therapy on subjects' perception of pain resulted in an analogous change (P=.06) across locus of therapy. A correlation exists between the amount of pressure required to elicit pain and the amount of electrical activity in the forearm flexors (P=.001), but electrical activity in the forearm muscle did not change as a function of treatment. There was also a correlation between the amount of pressure required to elicit pain in the subject at the forearm tender point and the ability to recruit muscle in the forearm flexor as measured by clench force (P<.001). Conclusion: The study shows that Counterstrain elicits tissue texture changes in muscle and the subjects' perception of pain pre- and posttreatment. It also illustrates changes in muscle function possibly associated with tender points. It fails to show changes in muscle electrical activity as a result of treatment.


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