On the basis of the limited number of studies available , and significant problems with their design , reporting , statistical integrity , and clinical applicability , physical examination can not currently be recommended as a reliable test for the diagnosis of trigger points .
BACKGROUND Trigger points are promoted as an important cause of musculoskeletal pain .
There is no accepted reference st and ard for the diagnosis of trigger points , and data on the reliability of physical examination for trigger points are conflicting .
OBJECTIVES To systematic ally review the literature on the reliability of physical examination for the diagnosis of trigger points .
Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Calibration and Reliability Study
Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability between different examiners when using the axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporom and ibular Disorders ( RDC/TMD ) . The hypothesis was that the st and ardized RDC/TMD examination protocol enables calibrated examiners to evaluate all examination items reliably . After calibration training by the RDC/TMD calibration team including the calibration of palpation pressure and the performance of the st and ardized examination protocol , four examiners , blinded to the patients ’ medical histories examined 24 subjects in a r and omized sequence . One experienced examiner was the st and ard ( hierarchical calibration ) . The recorded measurements strictly followed the RDC/TMD . Intraclass correlation coefficients ( ICC ) , bias and precision were calculated to estimate interrater reliability . Acceptable ( 0.75≥ICC>0.4 ) to excellent ( ICC>0.75 ) reliability was found for 20 of the 23 ( 87 % ) examinations . Only sub-retrom and ibular muscle palpation and joint sound vibration recordings on lateral excursion showed poor- results ( ICC≤0.4 ) . The RDC/TMD examination protocol enables calibrated examiners to perform most ( 87 % ) examination items with satisfactory reliability . Therefore multi-site studies based on the RDC/TMD examination protocol may become feasible , keeping in mind the unsatisfactory reliability of 13 % of the items ( clicking during laterotrusion to the ipsilateral side , palpation of the posterior and subm and ibular region )
On the basis of the limited number of studies available , and significant problems with their design , reporting , statistical integrity , and clinical applicability , physical examination can not currently be recommended as a reliable test for the diagnosis of trigger points .
BACKGROUND Trigger points are promoted as an important cause of musculoskeletal pain .
There is no accepted reference st and ard for the diagnosis of trigger points , and data on the reliability of physical examination for trigger points are conflicting .
OBJECTIVES To systematic ally review the literature on the reliability of physical examination for the diagnosis of trigger points .