Publication
Title
Differences in the mitochondrial and lipid droplet morphology in female office workers with Trapezius Myalgia, compared with healthy controls : a muscle biopsy study
Author
Abstract
Objective Trapezius myalgia or, more specifically, myofascial dysfunction of the upper trapezius mainly affects women performing jobs requiring prolonged low level activation of the muscle. This continuous low muscle load can be accompanied by a shift to a more anaerobic energy metabolism, causing pain. The aim of the study was to investigate whether morphological signs of an impaired aerobic metabolism are present in female office workers with trapezius myalgia. Design Muscle biopsy analysis, using electron and light microscopy, was performed to compare mitochondrial and fat droplet morphology, and irregular muscle fibers, between female office workers with (n = 17) and without (n = 15) work-related trapezius myalgia. Results The patient group showed a significantly higher mean area (P = 0.023) and proportion (P = 0.029) for the subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria respectively, compared with the control group. A significantly lower mean area of subsarcolemmal lipid droplets was found in the patient group (P = 0.015), which also displayed a significantly higher proportion of lipid droplets touching the mitochondria (P = 0.035). A significantly higher amount of muscle fibers with cytochrome c oxidase-deficient areas were found in the patient group (P = 0.030). Conclusions The results of the present study may be indicative for an impaired oxidative metabolism in work-related trapezius myalgia. However, additional research is necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
Language
English
Source (journal)
American journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation. - Baltimore, Md
Publication
Baltimore, Md : 2019
ISSN
0894-9115
DOI
10.1097/PHM.0000000000001231
Volume/pages
98 :11 (2019) , p. 989-997
ISI
000494732100014
Pubmed ID
31145110
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 09.12.2019
Last edited 29.11.2024
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