M-Mode Ultrasound and Strength Assessment of the Lower Trapezius Muscle in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

  1. Redondo-Orúe, Irene 2
  2. Pecos-Martín, Daniel 2
  3. Romero Morales, Carlos 1
  4. García-de-Miguel, Santiago 2
  5. Merinero, Patricia Martínez 2
  6. Casañas-Martín, Coraima 2
  7. Achalandabaso-Ochoa, Alexander 3
  8. González-de-la-Flor, Ángel 1
  1. 1 Universidad Europea de Madrid
    info
    Universidad Europea de Madrid

    Madrid, España

    ROR https://ror.org/04dp46240

    Geographic location of the organization Universidad Europea de Madrid
  2. 2 Universidad de Alcalá
    info
    Universidad de Alcalá

    Alcalá de Henares, España

    ROR https://ror.org/04pmn0e78

    Geographic location of the organization Universidad de Alcalá
  3. 3 Universidad de Jaén
    info
    Universidad de Jaén

    Jaén, España

    ROR https://ror.org/0122p5f64

    Geographic location of the organization Universidad de Jaén
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Journal:
Applied Sciences

ISSN: 2076-3417

Year of publication: 2025

Volume: 15

Issue: 19

Pages: 10633

Type: Article

DOI: 10.3390/APP151910633 GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Applied Sciences

Abstract

Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is considered a widespread musculoskeletal condition which affects the quality of life and is associated with scapular stabilizer dysfunction patterns. This study aimed to compare the morphological, functional, and strength-related characteristics of the lower trapezius muscle (such as muscle thickness at rest and during contraction, contraction-to-relaxation ratios, contraction and relaxation velocities, and force production) between individuals with CNP and asymptomatic controls. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprises 144 participants (78 with CNP and 76 controls) aged 18–30 years. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess muscle thickness, contraction and relaxation velocities, and contraction ratios. Muscle strength, including peak force and rate of force development, was evaluated using dynamometry. Participants with CNP were categorized by neck disability index (NDI) scores into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Results: Participants with CNP showed reduced contraction velocity (0.60 ± 0.24 cm/s vs. 0.81 ± 0.44 cm/s; p < 0.001; d = 0.61), lower relaxation velocity (0.48 ± 0.28 cm/s vs. 0.58 ± 0.32 cm/s; p = 0.038; d = 0.34), and decreased peak force (4.83 ± 3.27 kg vs. 6.00 ± 3.87 kg; p = 0.043; d = 0.33) compared to controls. Muscle thickness and contraction ratio differences were non-significant. Among CNP subgroups, the contraction ratio was lower in the severe disability group compared to the mild group (0.25 ± 0.19 vs. 0.53 ± 0.33; p = 0.015). Conclusions: The present study showed functional impairments of the lower trapezius muscle in individuals with CNP, particularly reduced contraction and relaxation velocities and lower peak force, with more pronounced deficits in those with severe disability. While no significant differences in muscle thickness were found, these findings suggest that functional alterations may precede structural changes.

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