SynthesisBMC musculoskeletal disorders2018
The prevalence of myofascial trigger points in neck and shoulder-related disorders: a systematic review of the literature.
Synthesis in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2018. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT04360668 (Determining the Effect of a Combination of Muscle Energy Techniques and Trigger Point Therapy on Subjective and Objective Indicators Assessing the Condition of the Musculoskeletal System in Asymptomatic Persons With Latent Trigger Point), which is not on this map. Cited by 37 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Determining the Effect of a Combination of Muscle Energy Techniques and Trigger Point Therapy on Subjective and Objective Indicators Assessing the Condition of the Musculoskeletal System in Asymptomatic Persons With Latent Trigger Point
Who cites it
37 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 90 citations in OpenAlex.
- Dry Needling Alone or in Combination with Exercise Therapy versus Other Interventions for Reducing Pain and Disability in Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2022Pooled it
- Trial
- A Comparison Study Between Electrical Muscle Stimulation and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome.Artificial organs · 2025Trial
- [Capsaicin topical cream (8%) for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome].Brazilian journal of anesthesiology (Elsevier)Trial
- Myofascial Release Techniques as an Adjunct Treatment in Individuals With Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review.Health science reports · 2026Review
- Microdialysis Evaluation of Blood Flow, Lactate, and Glucose in Active Trigger Points of Tension-Type Headache Patients and Latent Trigger Points in Healthy Muscle.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation · 2026Observational
- Which Myofascial Alterations Contribute to Functional Limitations and Perceived Performance Deficits in Water Polo Athletes.International journal of sports physical therapy · 2026Article
- Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Outcomes in Subjects with Neck Pain and/or Cervicogenic Headache: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Review
- Shoulder kinematic and muscle recruitment pattern changes in upper trapezius myofascial trigger points: a controlled observational study.BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2025Observational
- Testing the Reliability of a Procedure Using Shear-Wave Elastography for Measuring Longus Colli Muscle Stiffness.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- An overlooked cause of upper extremity pain: myofascial trigger points of the triceps muscle and dry needling protocol.Pain management · 2025Article
- Effects of Global Postural Re-Education Versus Specific Therapeutic Exercises on Pain, Head Posture, and Pain-Related Psychosocial Factors in Women with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Article
- A biomechanical model for concomitant functioning of neck and shoulder: a pilot study.Scientific reports · 2024Article
- Review
- Accuracy of Infrared Thermography in Diagnosing Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.Journal of clinical medicine · 2024Article
- Could the Suboccipital Release Technique Result in a Generalized Relaxation and Self-Perceived Improvement? A Repeated Measure Study Design.Journal of clinical medicine · 2024Article
- Cervical Multifidus Stiffness Assessment in Individuals with and without Unilateral Chronic Neck Pain: An Inter-Examiner Reliability Study.Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- Association between smartphone addiction and myofascial trigger points.BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2024Article
- Efficacy comparison between acupuncture and other modalities in the treatment of rotator cuff diseases: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.American journal of translational research · 2024Review
- Effect of Adding Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive Therapy to Conventional Therapy for Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome in Upper Trapezius: A Randomized Clinical Trial.Journal of chiropractic medicine · 2023Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundNeck and shoulder disorders may be linked to the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). These disorders can significantly impact a person's activities of daily living and ability to work. MTrPs can be involved with pain sensitization, contributing to acute or chronic neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this review was to synthesise evidence on the prevalence of active and latent MTrPs in subjects with neck and shoulder disorders.
methodsWe conducted an electronic search in five databases. Five independent reviewers selected observational studies assessing the prevalence of MTrPs (active or latent) in participants with neck or shoulder disorders. Two reviewers assessed risk of bias using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Subject characteristics and prevalence of active and latent MTrPs in relevant muscles was extracted from included studies.
resultsSeven articles studying different conditions met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of MTrPs was compared and analysed. All studies had low methodologic quality due to small sample sizes, lack of control groups and blinding. Findings revealed that active and latent MTrPs were prevalent throughout all disorders, however, latent MTrPs did not consistently have a higher prevalence compared to healthy controls.
conclusionsWe found limited evidence supporting the high prevalence of active and latent MTrPs in patients with neck or shoulder disorders. Point prevalence estimates of MTrPs were based on a small number of studies with very low sample sizes and with design limitations that increased risk of bias within included studies. Future studies, with low risk of bias and large sample sizes may impact on current evidence.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.