Intramuscular Stress Transmission Between the Muscles of the Ball of the Thumb, and the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle After Tensegrity Massage Application a Pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: The phenomenon of tensegrity in the muscular system still remains theoretical. Research has been mostly performed in vitro. Unfortunately, analyses of this type are focused on this part of the phenomenon. They do not consider, e.g. the presence of body fluids.Study objective: The aim of the study was in vivo verification regarding the occurrence of tensegrity in a model consisting of the latissimus dorsi muscle (LAT), the medial intermuscular septum, muscles of the anterior forearm and muscles of thenar eminence.Material and methods: The study group was divided into an experimental (n =10) and control group (n=10). The experimental group took part in 1 massage session of the thenar eminence muscles for 5 minutes. The control group spent 5 minutes on a couch in the same position as in the experimental group, receiving no intervention. In both groups, at the beginning and end of the session, LAT was tested with a tensiomyograph and algometer.Results: Statistically significant differences between the groups occurred in pressure pain threshold (p=0.02), contraction time (p=0.01), relaxation time (p=0.01) and LAT sustaining duration (p=0.046). The level of statistical significance was p<0.05.Conclusions: In the tested model, the change in the tension of the distal end of the model influenced the displacement of the muscle at the proximal end of the model in accordance with the tensegrity model.