The effect of myofascial techniques on the electrical activity of the neck muscles
Authors: Raenko O. P. , Vinogradova D. A. , Potekhina Yu. P. , Milutka Yu. A. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Research by foreign scientists often present the results of studies of the effects of specific osteopathic techniques on the body. Myofascial techniques are dynamic low-amplitude techniques in which the myofascial complex of tissues is rhythmically stretched in areas where their mobility is limited. In one study of paravertebral muscles using surface electromyography (sEMG) before and after myofascial techniques, a statistically significant (p<0,05) decrease in their electrical activity was obtained. No publications devoted to the study of the effect of myofascial techniques on the electrical activity of the neck muscles were found.

The aim is to study the effect of myofascial techniques on the electrical activity of the neck muscles in individuals with increased tone of these muscles.

Materials and methods. A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Osteopathy of Mechnikov North-West State Medical University in which 30 apparently healthy volunteers who did not present active complaints, aged from 23 to 35 years, took part, with a median of 25 years. Inclusion criteria were palpation-determined increased tone of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles. Non-inclusion criteria were the presence of diseases and/or conditions that are an absolute contraindication to osteopathic correction, a history of neck injuries; taking medications that affect muscle tone at the time of the study; neuromuscular diseases. At the beginning of the study, all volunteers underwent palpation of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles on both sides. The degree of increase in muscle tone was assessed in points: 1 — weak; 2 — medium; 3 — strong; 0 — normal tone. Next, they underwent myofascial mobilization techniques: longitudinal and unilateral lateral mobilization of the soft tissues of the neck, separate mobilization of the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Before, immediately after, and three days after the session, muscle tone was recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG), which was performed on a wireless monitoring complex for electrophysiological signals «Kolibri» (OOO NMF «Neurotech», Russia). At rest, the average and maximum amplitude of electrical activity of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles was measured. The recording was made synchronously from the right and left sides of the body.

Results. The sEMG indices of muscles with different tone based on the results of subjective assessment were statistically highly significant (p=0,0001). Moreover, according to the A(avg) indicator, the range diagrams either did not intersect or intersected only slightly. The electrical activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscles after myofascial mobilization techniques decreased statistically significantly and remained at the same level for 3 days (p=0,01). Such dynamics were observed in both the average and maximum amplitude of electrical activity. The amplitude of electrical activity of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle was slightly greater than that of the left (all subjects were right-handed), but these differences did not reach statistical significance (p>0,05). After treatment, there was a trend towards a decrease in the asymmetry of electrical activity between the left and right sternocleidomastoid muscles, both middle and maximum, but these changes were not statistically significant (p>0,05). The electrical activity of the upper part of the right trapezius muscle decreased statistically significantly after treatment and remained at this level for 3 days (p=0,01). The left trapezius muscle was excluded from the study due to technical reasons.

Conclusion. The study showed that osteopaths (who are completing residency training in osteopathy) palpably distinguish between normal muscle tone and its increase in weak and moderate degrees. One session of myofascial mobilization techniques leads to a decrease in the tone of the sternocleidomastoid muscles and the upper part of the right trapezius muscle according to sEMG. Such changes occur immediately after the session and then persist for at least three days in young people with increased tone of these muscles. Surface electromyography can be used to objectively record and measure the results of specific osteopathic techniques. This is important for increasing the evidence of clinical research in osteopathy.