Prevalence of Trigger Points in Neck, Shoulder, and Upper Back Region and Its Association with Stress Levels Among Allied Health Sciences Students Trigger Points and Stress in Allied Health Students
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Abstract
Background: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are hyperirritable areas in taut muscle bands, often linked with musculoskeletal pain, motor dysfunction, and psychological stress. The relationship between stress levels and MTrPs remains underexplored in student populations.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of MTrPs in the neck, shoulder, and upper back regions and its association with stress levels among Allied Health Sciences students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to January 2024, including 160 Allied Health Sciences students recruited through non-probability convenient sampling. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and MTrPs were identified using manual palpation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with Pearson correlation used to assess associations.
Results: The mean age was 21.96 ± 2.02 years. Among 160 students, 64 (39.5%) had low stress, 32 (19.8%) had moderate, and 64 (39.5%) had high stress. MTrPs prevalence was 40.7% in the neck, 69.8% in the shoulder, and 44.4% in the upper back. Strong correlations were found between stress levels and MTrPs in the shoulder (r=0.721, P<0.01) and upper back (r=0.773, P<0.01).
Conclusion: Higher stress levels were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of MTrPs in Allied Health Sciences students.
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