Barbero, MarcoBertoli, P.Cescon, C.Macmillan, FionaCoutts, FionaGatti, Roberto2018-06-292018-06-292012-11Barbero, M., Bertoli, P., Cescon, C., Macmillan, F., Coutts, F. and Gatti, R. (2012) ‘Intra-rater reliability of an experienced physiotherapist in locating myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius muscle’, Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 20(4), pp. 171–177. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1179/2042618612Y.0000000010.1066-9817http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/2042618612Y.0000000010https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/2887Objectives: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are considered the principal clinical feature of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). An MTrP consists of spot tenderness within a taut band of muscle fibers and its stimulation can produce both local and referred pain. The clinical diagnosis of MPS depends on correct history taking and a physical examination aimed at identifying the presence of MTrP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the intra-rater reliability of a palpation protocol used for locating an MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle. Methods: Twenty-four subjects with MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle were examined by an experienced physiotherapist. During each of eight experimental sessions, subjects were examined twice in randomized order using a palpation protocol. An anatomical landmark system was defined and the MTrP location established using X and Y values. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient ICC(1,1) values were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.30-0.81) for X and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.61-0.91) for Y. The Bland-Altman plots for X and Y showed a mean of difference of 0.04 and -0.2 mm, respectively. Limits of agreement for X ranged from -26.3 to 26.2 mm and for Y from -27 to 26.4 mm. Discussion: The ICC(1,1) for the observed values revealed a moderate to high correlation and the Bland-Altman analysis showed means of difference very close to zero with narrow limits of agreement. An experienced physiotherapist can reliably identify MTrP locations in upper trapezius muscle using a palpation protocol.171-177Myofascial pain syndromesIntra-rater reliabilityMyofascial trigger pointsPalpationUpper trapezius musclearticlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1179/2042618612Y.0000000010