Neck and back muscle device showed variable measurement reliability
Most reported outcomes had good to excellent repeatability, but some showed poor reliability. The review assessed measurement consistency rather than diagnostic accuracy.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
MyotonPRO measurements often showed good to excellent reliability, but some results were substantially less consistent. The findings support checking the particular muscle measure and testing conditions before assuming a reading is dependable. Because the review assessed repeatability, it does not establish diagnostic accuracy or show that using the device improves patient outcomes.
The abstract does not connect poor reliability to specific muscles, measurements or testing conditions. It also omits participant totals and retest intervals, limiting assessment of how well the findings apply to a particular clinical use.
What researchers found
Reliability of neck and back muscle measurements
Same-examiner, different-examiner and repeat-session comparisons; retest intervals were not reported. Higher intraclass correlation coefficients indicate more consistent readings: below 0.50 was poor, above 0.90 was excellent. The range therefore spans poor to excellent reliability.
What was assessed
The device measures muscle properties such as stiffness and tension without an invasive procedure. Reviewers examined agreement when measurements were taken by the same examiner, by different examiners or at different times.
Why the range matters
The overall range includes both inconsistent and highly consistent measurements. A favorable result for one outcome does not establish dependable performance for every measurement, and the abstract does not identify the most reliable testing setup.
The original publication
Reliability of measurement of neck and back muscle mechanical properties using MyotonPRO: A systematic review.
Koterba J, Saulicz E
J Bodyw Mov Ther · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40954638
- Record checked
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