Scapular Dynamic Muscular Stiffness Assessed through Myotonometry: A Narrative Review

Ana S.C. Melo, Eduardo B. Cruz, João Paulo Vilas-Boas, Andreia S.P. Sousa

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)
24 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Several tools have been used to assess muscular stiffness. Myotonometry stands out as an accessible, handheld, and easy to use tool. The purpose of this review was to summarize the psychometric properties and methodological considerations of myotonometry and its applicability in assessing scapular muscles. Myotonometry seems to be a reliable method to assess several muscles stiffness, as trapezius. This method has been demonstrated fair to moderate correlation with passive stiffness measured by shear wave elastography for several muscles, as well as with level of muscle contraction, pinch and muscle strength, Action Research Arm Test score and muscle or subcutaneous thickness. Myotonometry can detect scapular muscles stiffness differences between pre-and postintervention in painful conditions and, sometimes, between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2565
JournalSensors
Volume22
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2022

Keywords

  • muscle mechanics
  • myotonometry
  • scapular muscles
  • stiffness

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