Article

Sensitivity of the myofascial trigger point (MTrP) can be inhibited
by electrical stimulation of remote site. However, it remains unclear whether
remote pain control of the MTrP occurs in the same spinal segment or in the
supraspinal system.
The aims of this study were to identify whether
the remote pain control occurs in the spinal segment corresponding to the MTrP or
in the supraspinal system. METHODS: Test subjects (n = 10) received
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for 5 minutes, whereas control
subjects (n = 10) received no intervention. The threshold for tactile sensory
modulation at the lateral elbow was assessed using Von Frey filaments. The
pressure sensitivities of MTrPs in both the infraspinatus and upper trapezius
muscles were quantified by algometry. Measurements were performed at baseline and
1 and 15 minutes after the intervention. RESULTS: Increases of the tactile
threshold at the remote site decreased the sensitivity of the MTrP innervated by
same spinal segment. However, no changes were observed at MTrP sites innervated
by contralateral fibers or those from different spinal segment. CONCLUSION: MTrP
sensitivity is more strongly affected by interventions at remote ipsilateral
sites in the same spinal segment than by stimulation of extra-segmental sites.

Langue : ANGLAIS