[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles' activity in the different planes of shoulder elevation. [Subjects] Twenty male subjects volunteered for this study. [Methods] Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity for each of the three regions of the trapezius muscles in the three different planes of elevation were collected while the particip...

ABSTRACT The management of post-radiation wound breakdown over the posterior cervico thoracic region can be a challenging task for a surgeon. The aim of the treatment is to produce a well vascularized and a low tensile flap which will close a large defect. We describe the use of the lower trapezius flap to reconstruct the wound breakdown and to obtain stable tissue coverage in a patient with po...

[Purpose] We developed a multi-air-cushion biofeedback device (MABD) to assist the dynamic hug exercise, and investigated the effects of MABD on the shoulder muscles during the dynamic hug exercise. [Subjects] Twelve males aged 22-32 years were recruited. [Methods] We measured the right side serratus anterior, lower trapezius, and upper trapezius muscle activities during the dynamic hug exercis...

[Purpose] This study investigated changes in neck and upper trunk muscle activities according to the angle of movement of the neck in subjects with Forward Head Posture. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty subjects with forward head postures were recruited. The activities of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, splenius capitis and splenius cervicis muscles, upper trapezius muscle, and middle trapezius mu...

Musculocutaneous pedicled/free flaps are an essential prerequisite for reconstructive surgery. Amongst the trunk muscles commonly harvested for flaps, the trapezius and rectus abdominis provide satisfactory coverage for cranial and trunk defects. unilateral/bilateral or partial congenital absence of trapezius muscle is well documented and may result in muscular imbalances compromising posture a...

[Purpose] Activation and changes in parts of the upper trapezius muscle during painful and non-painful computer work were compared. [Subjects] Ten male computer workers were recruited. [Methods] Surface electromyography was used to compare upper trapezius muscle activation and changes (difference between minimum and maximum activation) during painful and non-painful computer work. [Results] Mea...

[Purpose] This study investigated the changes in pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius, levator scapular, and rhomboid muscles during continuous computer work. [Subjects] Fourteen males and females aged 26-32 years, were recruited. [Methods] A dolorimeter pressure algometer was used to measure the pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius, levator scapular, and rhomboid muscles, r...

BACKGROUND A thorough understanding of the topographical anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve and the cervical plexus branches is a basic prerequisite for positive results when operating on the neck. OBJECTIVE To give an exact description of the topographical and surgical anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) and the trapezius branches of the cervical plexus. DESIGN Anatomic analysis...

BACKGROUND In spite of preservation of the accessory nerve there is still considerable proportion of patients with partial nerve damage during modified radical neck dissection (MRND). METHODS The nerve was identified during the surgery and its branches for the trapezius muscle mapped with nerve monitor. RESULTS The accessory nerve was mapped during 74 hemineck dissections and three patterns...