The relationship between trapezius muscle oxygenation, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, and functional performance in patients with chronic neck pain

BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with functional limitations and reduced activities of daily living. The upper trapezius muscle plays an important role in posture, scapular stabilization, and accessory respiration, and may be affected metabolically in chronic neck pain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between trapezius muscle oxygenation and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and functional performance in patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with chronic neck pain (age: 53.4 ± 12.3 years) were included in the study. Muscle oxygenation (Moxy® monitor), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) (mouth pressure device), peripheral muscle strength (hand-held dynamometer), upper extremity functional exercise capacity (six-minute pegboard and ring test 6-PBRT), and activities of daily living (ADL) (Glittre ADL test) were evaluated. RESULTS: = .011). CONCLUSION: Trapezius muscle oxygenation was associated with respiratory muscle strength, upper extremity exercise capacity, and activities of daily living. These findings suggest that trapezius muscle oxygenation may provide insight into underlying physiological mechanisms related to respiratory and functional impairment.