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Review
. 2022 Aug;36(4):242-247.
doi: 10.1007/s00482-022-00636-y. Epub 2022 Mar 17.

[Feeling stiff…but what does it mean objectively? : Can you measure muscle tension?]

[Article in German]
A V Dieterich  1 , A Haueise  2 , L Gizzi  3
Affiliations
Review

[Feeling stiff…but what does it mean objectively? : Can you measure muscle tension?]

[Article in German]
A V Dieterich et al. Schmerz. 2022 Aug.

Abstract
in English, German

Almost everyone is familiar with "tense muscles", but what is muscle tension physiologically behind? Are tense muscles more active; do they have problems relaxing? Are they harder or stiffer than asymptomatic muscles? In this work, current evidence regarding the activity and stiffness of tense neck muscles is presented. Further, measurement methods and their limitations are explained. These limitations reveal the shortcomings of the current knowledge and the need for further research. Finally, a recently funded research project on the measurement of tense muscles is presented.

Fast jeder kennt „verspannte“ Muskulatur, aber was sind physiologisch betrachtet Muskelverspannungen? Aktivierte Muskeln, die nicht entspannen können? Steifere oder härtere Muskeln? In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird aktuelle wissenschaftliche Evidenz zur Aktivität und Steifigkeit verspannter Nackenmuskeln präsentiert und die dabei angewandten Messmethoden werden mit ihren Limitationen vorgestellt. Diese Limitationen verdeutlichen die Begrenztheit des aktuellen Stands wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse und den weiteren Forschungsbedarf. Abschließend wird ein aktuelles drittmittelgefördertes Forschungsprojekt zur Messung von Muskelverspannungen vorgestellt.

Keywords: Electromyography; Muscle tension; Pain; Review; Shear wave elastography.

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References

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