Scapular Muscle Activation and Shoulder Performance in Migraine

INVESTIGATION OF SCAPULAR MUSCLE ACTIVATION AND SHOULDER PERFORMANCE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH MIGRAINE

Migraine is a significant health problem due to its high prevalence and substantial contribution to disability. Individuals with migraine have been reported to exhibit myofascial trigger points, increased pain sensitivity, and altered muscle activation patterns, particularly in the trapezius muscles. As the upper and middle trapezius muscles play critical roles in scapular stability and movement, alterations in these muscles may affect scapular orientation and upper extremity function. However, studies investigating the relationship between trapezius muscle activation, scapular orientation, and upper extremity performance in individuals with migraine are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare trapezius muscle activation, scapular orientation, and upper extremity performance between individuals with and without migraine. We hypothesized that individuals with migraine would exhibit altered upper and middle trapezius muscle activation, impaired scapular orientation, and reduced upper extremity performance compared with healthy controls.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18-55 years
• Diagnosed with migraine by a neurologist according to the ICHD-3 criteria
• Experiencing at least 3 migraine attacks per month
• Willing to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of other types of headache disorders
• History of trauma, fracture, or surgery involving the cranio-cervical region, scapular region, or upper extremity
• Presence of neurological or inflammatory rheumatic diseases
• Presence of psychiatric disorders
• Receiving physiotherapy or rehabilitation for migraine or the cervical, thoracic, or upper extremity regions within the past 6 months
• Cognitive impairment affecting the understanding of test instructions