The role of the deep cervical extensor muscles in multi-directional isometric neck strength.

ABSTRACT: Clinical management of whiplash-associated disorders is challenging and often unsuccessful, with over a third of whiplash injuries progressing to chronic neck pain. Previous imaging studies have identified muscle fat infiltration, indicative of muscle weakness, in the deep cervical extensor muscles (multifidus and semispinalis cervicis). Yet, kinematic and muscle redundancy prevent the direct assessment of individual neck muscle strength, making it difficult to determine the role of these muscles in motor dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of deep cervical extensor muscle weakness on multi-directional neck strength and muscle activation patterns. Maximum isometric forces and associated muscle activation patterns were computed in 25 test directions using a 3

SUBMITTER: Abbott R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11132632 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature