Observational studyThe Journal of manual & manipulative therapy2026
Reference values for muscle stiffness and asymmetry using myotonometry: a pilot study.
Observational study in The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- A comparison of the mechanical properties of the deltoid and trapezius muscles and shoulder range of motion in competitive young swimmers across different swimming strokes.BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation · 2026Article
- Agreement of MyotonPRO Measurements Across Standing and Prone Positions in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.Journal of clinical medicine · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesTo establish preliminary reference values for resting muscle stiffness and bilateral asymmetry in healthy young adults, and to explore associations with sex, age, BMI, and weekly exercise.
designCross-sectional observational pilot study.
settingOsteopathic medical school facilities.
participantsTwenty-six healthy individuals aged 18-29 years, 19 males and 7 females.
main outcome measuresResting muscle stiffness and left-right asymmetry across seven muscle groups, measured using the MyotonPRO. Associations with sex, age, BMI, and weekly exercise were analyzed.
resultsSex was the only significant predictor of muscle stiffness overall, model F(4,21) = 2.88,
conclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility of defining reference ranges for muscle stiffness and asymmetry using the MyotonPRO. These reference values may support musculoskeletal assessments in osteopathic and sports medicine and may help identify clinically meaningful deviations in tissue properties. Larger and more diverse cohorts are needed to refine intervals and to link stiffness to changes in patient outcomes.
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