Clinical Research Directory

Predictors of Pressure Pain Thresholds

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether office-related strain risk, head and neck working posture, and weekly screen time predict the mean pressure pain threshold (PPT) at latent trigger points (LTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle among office workers. A secondary aim was to examine relationships among LTrP characteristics, ergonomic risk factors, postural parameters, and demographic variables. Inclusion criteria: Ages 25-44 years, BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m², presence of at least one LTrP in the upper trapezius Exclusion criteria: Active trigger points, history of head/neck/shoulder surgery, pain medication use in last 24 hours, recent myofascial pain treatment Assessments Conducted: Demographics \& Time Variables: Age, gender, BMI, years of employment, weekly screen time (phone + computer), daily sitting time LTrP Identification: Manual pincer palpation by experienced physiotherapist (12 years experience) PPT Measurement: Calibrated Baseline Algometer at the most painful LTrP and a non-trigger point site Ergonomic Risk: Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) Postural Assessment: Photogrammetry measuring: Craniocervical Angle (CCA) Cervicothoracic Angle (CTA) All assessments were conducted one hour after participants started working to allow for postural adaptation.