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Comparison of Thickness, Tension, and Activation of the Scm and Upper Trapezius Muscles According To The Pillow Height

  • Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
  • Abbr : J Korean Soc Phys Med
  • 2024, 19(1), pp.53-60
  • Publisher : The Korean Society of Physical Medicine
  • Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > Physical Therapy > Other physical therapy
  • Received : October 19, 2023
  • Accepted : January 11, 2024
  • Published : February 28, 2024

김은미 1 Min-Ji Park 2 유은정 1 Dongyeop Lee 3 Hong Ji Heon 3 JaeHo Yu 3 Kim Jin Seop 3 Nam Yeon Gyo 3 Kim Seong Gil 3

1선문대
2선문대학교 물리치료학과
3선문대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The study aimed to analyze the effect of pillow height on upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle activity and overall human body comfort to determine the optimal pillow height. METHODS: The study included 32 healthy college students, of both genders, who provided prior consent. It examined three pillow heights (flat, 6cm, 12cm) and measured the upper trapezius and SCM muscles using ultrasonography, myotone, and electromyography(EMG). Muscle activation, thickness, and fatigue were assessed. RESULTS: The study found significant differences in muscle thickness and muscle tone based on the pillow heights (flat, 6cm, and 12cm) with a p < .05. The SCM and upper trapezius muscles were thinnest at a pillow height of 6cm. Muscle tone in the SCM was lower at both 6cm and 12cm pillow heights. Post-hoc measurements showed significant differences in both the SCM and upper trapezius muscles thickness at the 6cm pillow height (p < .05). Also, significant differences in muscle tone were observed only in the SCM, particularly between the 6cm and 12cm pillow heights. CONCLUSION: The ultrasonography and myotone measurements showed a significant difference in muscle thickness and muscle tension, both of which were above 6cm, while there was no difference in muscle activation. Based on the strong correlation between muscle tension and muscle thickness with pillow height, this study concluded that the human body feels comfortable with a 6cm pillow height. Therefore, it is recommended to use a pillow height of 6cm when lying in a supine position.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.