MedPath

Evaluation of Mitochondrial Function in Myofascial Trigger Points Cohort Pilot Study Using High-resolution Respirometry

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Pain, Neck
Pain, Back
Myofascial Trigger Point Pain
Myofascial Pain
Mitochondrial Pathology
Interventions
Procedure: Muscle biopsy
Registration Number
NCT03704311
Lead Sponsor
Medical University Innsbruck
Brief Summary

This pilot study established a minimally invasive biopsy technique to obtain high-quality MTrP tissue samples to evaluate mitochondrial function via high-resolution respirometry.

Detailed Description

Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are hyperirritable areas in the fascia of the affected muscle, possibly related to mitochondrial impairment. They can result in pain and hypoxic areas within the muscle. This pilot study established a minimally invasive biopsy technique to obtain high-quality MTrP tissue samples to evaluate mitochondrial function via high-resolution respirometry. Secondary objectives included the safety of the biopsy procedure assessed via clinical wound healing (number of patients with signs for local infection and inflammation). For this purpose, twenty healthy males participated in this study, 10 with a diagnosis of myofascial pain in the musculus (m.) trapezius MTrP (TTP group) and 10 with a diagnosis of myofascial pain in the m. gluteus medius (GTP group). The affected muscle was biopsied followed by a biopsy from the vastus lateralis to be used as a control. Measurements of oxygen consumption were carried out using high-resolution respirometry.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Male
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • Male patients aged 18-45 years
  • Clinical diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome within the region of the shoulder-neck muscles or the lumbogluteal region and the presence of an MTrP, defined as a firm palpation of a hard, tender nodule resulting in a spontaneous pain complaint
  • with symptoms present for 1 to 12 months
Exclusion Criteria
  • Signs that the participant's prescriptive compliance was not expected (e.g., lack of cooperation)
  • Disorders of the respiratory tract
  • Neurological disorders, in particular neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases
  • Disorders of the cardiovascular system or the musculoskeletal system
  • Civil servants and military service personnel.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
SingleMuscle biopsyEvaluation of mitochondrial function after muscle biopsy and follow-up for surgical complications.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Mitochondrial function in myofascial trigger pointsBaseline measurement

Mitochondrial respiration was assessed from muscle biopsy samples obtained from trigger points of the musculus trapezius and the musculus gluteus medius

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of participants with biopsy-related impaired wound healingBaseline and follow-up assessment (1 week after the baseline biopsy)

Clinical wound assessment (number of patients with signs for local infection and inflammation)

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath