Runners have more latent myofascial trigger point than non-runners in medialis gastrocnemii

Objectives

The goals of this study were to i. describe the prevalence of latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the medialis gastrocnemius in runners versus non-runners, and ii. examine their level of pain and stiffness.

Methods

Healthy runners and non-runners were recruited. Each participant's medialis gastrocnemius MTrPs count was recorded in both legs. The mean pain and the most painful MTrPs pain levels were recorded using an algometer, and the stiffness was evaluated using myotonometry (MyotonPro device) on the most painful MTrP.

Results

With a medium effect size (p = 0.001), runners (n = 20) showed significantly more latent MTrPs than non-runners (n = 26). Runners also reported higher overall pain on the latent MTrPs site than non-runners (p = 0.003) and a significant difference (p = 0.001) for the most painful latent MTrP. Runners were substantially stiffer than non-runners in the most painful latent MTrP, with a mean stiffness difference of +9.98 N/m (p = 0.018, medium effect size).

Conclusions

Runners have a higher number of latent MTrPs than non-runners. The MTrPs found in runners' legs were more painful and stiff than those found in non-runners' legs.