Kinematics and Muscle Activation of Scapula in Upper String Players With Neck Pain
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
About this trial
This study will analyze and compare scapular kinematics and muscle activation patterns between upper string musicians with and without neck pain during arm elevation and playing tasks (open strings, scales, musical pieces), providing insights for performance training and rehabilitation programs to reduce playing-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Age ≥ 18 years old.
Having at least 5 years of string instrument playing experience and practicing for more than 6 hours per week.
For the neck pain group: Experiencing non-specific neck pain for at least 2 weeks, with pain located between the superior nuchal line and the T1 spinous process, and a pain intensity of at least 3 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS ≥ 3).
For the healthy control group: Having no history of neck or shoulder pain within the past year (matched with the neck pain group by age, gender, and handedness).
Disqualifiers
History of any neck or shoulder surgery or fracture.
Experiencing pain below the elbow with an intensity of at least 3 (NRS ≥ 3).
Diagnosed history of any structural cervical spine issues, such as herniation of intervertebral disc (HIVD), cervical spine spondylosis, or spondylolisthesis.
Positive response on any of the following 5 cervical spine screening tests: cervical distraction test, Spurling's test, Valsalva test, rotational alar ligament stress test, or Sharp-Purser test.
Trial population
upper string musicians
Trial design
Design model
Cohort
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Treatments tested in this trial
motion capture system, surface electromyography
DeviceArm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°), open string playing, scale practice, and musical piece performance
Treatment groups
60 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: upper string musicians (healthy group)1 intervention
Group B: upper string musicians (neck pain group)1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Scapular muscles activation during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks.
Muscle activation levels of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior will be measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) during arm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°) and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) and expressed as root mean square (RMS) amplitude.
Time frame
Through study completion, an average of 1 hour2
Scapular kinematics during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks
Three-dimensional scapular orientation (upward/downward rotation, internal/external rotation, anterior/posterior tilt) will be measured using an electromagnetic tracking system during arm elevation (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°) and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be expressed in degrees.
Time frame
Through study completion, an average of 1 hourSecondary outcomes
1
Cervical muscles activation during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks
Muscle activation levels of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and cervical extensors (CE) will be measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) and expressed as root mean square (RMS) amplitude.
Time frame
: Through study completion, an average of 1 hour2
Cervical kinematic during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks
Three-dimensional movement of the cervical spine will be measured using the VIPER electromagnetic tracking system during arm elevation and dynamic instrument-playing tasks. Data will be expressed in degrees.
Time frame
Through study completion, an average of 1 hour3
Shoulder muscle strength
Isometric muscle strength of the upper/lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles will be evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer (MicroFET2). Data will be expressed in kilograms (kg).
Time frame
Immediately during the experiment4
Cervical and Shoulder mobility
cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation) will be measured using CROM. Shoulder range of motion will be measured using inclinometer. Data will be expressed in degrees (°).
Time frame
Immediately during the experimentSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov