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Hung CY, Wang B, Chang HC, Wu WT, Liu PT, Chang KV, Su DCJ, Mezian K, Ricci V, Özçakar L. Pictorial Essay on Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Paraspinal Muscles for Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:499. [PMID: 38672769 PMCID: PMC11051048 DOI: 10.3390/life14040499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The paraspinal muscles of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine are important pain generators because muscle strains or myofascial pain syndrome caused by trigger points are common during clinical practice. Ultrasonography is the most convenient imaging tool for evaluating these muscles due to its advantages, such as providing good delineation of soft tissues, easy accessibility, and zero radiation. Additionally, ultrasound can serve as a useful guiding tool for paraspinal muscle intervention to prevent inadvertent injuries to vital axial neurovascular structures. This pictorial essay presents ultrasound scanning protocols for the paraspinal and other associated muscles as well as a discussion of their clinical relevance. Axial magnetic resonance imaging has also been used to elucidate reciprocal anatomy. In conclusion, ultrasound imaging proves to be a valuable tool that facilitates the differentiation of individual paraspinal muscles. This capability significantly enhances the precision of interventions designed to address myofascial pain syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yu Hung
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei 10845, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (W.-T.W.)
| | - Bow Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan;
| | - Hsiang-Chi Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 24213, Taiwan;
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei 10845, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (W.-T.W.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10048, Taiwan
| | | | - Ke-Vin Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei 10845, Taiwan; (C.-Y.H.); (W.-T.W.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10048, Taiwan
- Center for Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Wang-Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11600, Taiwan
| | - Daniel Chiung-Jui Su
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan;
| | - Kamal Mezian
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Vincenzo Ricci
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Levent Özçakar
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara 06100, Turkey;
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Wang Z, Cao J, Mou J, Sun D, Yan D, Liu P. Effects of Cervical Paravertebral Extensors in Patients with Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Grouped According to mK-Line. Orthop Surg 2024; 16:346-356. [PMID: 38097192 PMCID: PMC10834205 DOI: 10.1111/os.13964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to quantify the morphology, composition, and asymmetry of the paravertebral extensor muscles (PSEMs) in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) who had different modified K-line (mK-line) and the minimum interval between the mK-line and OPLL (INTmin ) values and to investigate the relationship between PSEMs and symptoms and outcomes following laminoplasty. These original findings elucidated that the atrophy of PSEMs could predict decompression outcomes and provided a theoretical basis for paraspinal muscle rehabilitation. METHODS A total of 94 consecutive patients who underwent laminoplasty for OPLL between January 2020 and January 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The relative cross-sectional areas (rCSA), functional cross-sectional areas (rFCSA), and FCSA/CSA ratio of the multifidus (MF), semispinalis cervicalis (SSCe), semispinalis capitis (SSCa), and splenius capitis (SpCa) were measured at the C3-C7 segments on cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study compared the differences between the mK-line (+) group and the mK-line (-) group, as well as between the INTmin <4 mm group and the INTmin ≥4 mm group, using the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables and the χ2 -test for categorical variables. The correlations between the PSEMs and symptoms were analyzed using either the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS The relative total CSA (rTCSA) of the PSEMs, especially the MF, was significantly smaller in the mK-line (-) group. However, the FCSA/CSA of the right deep extensor muscle (DEM) was larger. The asymmetry of the MF TFCSA/TCSA showed a significant difference between the mK-line groups. In the INTmin <4 mm group, the PSEMs rCSA and rFCSA were significantly smaller, while the bilateral MF TFCSA/TCSA and right SSCe TFCSA/TCSA were larger. The asymmetry of the superficial extensor muscle rCSA was significantly lower in the group with INTmin <4 mm. The postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA) and mJOA recovery rate were positively correlated with the INTmin and DEM rCSA and negatively correlated with the asymmetry of MF FCSA/CSA. CONCLUSIONS In patients with mK-line (-) or INTmin <4 mm, the PSEMs were smaller, and the DEM atrophy and composition changes were predominant. The MF asymmetry was higher in patients with mK-lines (-), whereas the SEM atrophy and asymmetry were more prevalent in patients with INTmin <4 mm. The DEM was related to the preoperative and postoperative mJOA scores. DEM-preserving surgery or DEM-specific rehabilitation exercises can improve the recovery of patients with OPLL during the perioperative period. In addition, attention should be paid to the evaluation of the SEM, especially the SpCa at the C3 and C5 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao‐Lin Wang
- Department of OrthopaedicsChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunPR China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of OrthopaedicsChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunPR China
| | - Jian‐Hui Mou
- Department of OrthopaedicsChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunPR China
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of OrthopaedicsChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunPR China
| | - Dong Yan
- Department of OrthopaedicsChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunPR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of OrthopaedicsChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunPR China
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Colman D, Demoulin C, Vanderthommen M, Saive O, Durieux N, Cagnie B, Kaux JF, Grosdent S. Exercise therapy including the cervical extensor muscles in individuals with neck pain: A systematic review. Clin Rehabil 2023; 37:1579-1610. [PMID: 37424506 DOI: 10.1177/02692155231184973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the use (dosage parameters and combination with other therapeutic interventions) of cervical extensor muscle exercises and their effect on pain, disability (primary outcomes), range of motion, endurance and strength (secondary outcomes) in people with neck pain. DATA SOURCES An extensive literature search was conducted through MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) up to May 2023. The reference lists of all included studies and relevant reviews were screened for additional studies. REVIEW METHODS Randomised controlled trials reporting the use of cervical extensor muscle exercises (alone or combined) applied to adults with idiopathic or traumatic neck pain were included. Study selection, data extraction and critical appraisal (PEDro assessment scale) were performed by two blinded reviewers. Data extraction included dosage parameters, other modalities combined with these exercises and outcomes. RESULTS Thirty-five randomised controlled trails (eight of which were complementary analyses) with 2409 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six were of moderate to high quality. In most studies, cervical extensor muscle exercises were combined with various other therapeutic modalities and applied at different dosages. Only two studies (one high and one low quality) specifically assessed their effectiveness. The high-quality study showed significant improvements in neck pain and disability, pressure point threshold and neck mobility after both low load and high load training for 6 weeks. CONCLUSION The results suggest cervical extensor muscle exercises may reduce neck pain and disability; however firm conclusions cannot be drawn because of the few studies that addressed this question and the heterogeneity of the dosage parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Colman
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christophe Demoulin
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marc Vanderthommen
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivier Saive
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nancy Durieux
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health & Education-RUCHE, Faculty of Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy and Educational Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Barbara Cagnie
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Kaux
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Grosdent
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Snodgrass SJ, Stanwell P, Weber KA, Shepherd S, Kennedy O, Thompson HJ, Elliott JM. Greater muscle volume and muscle fat infiltrate in the deep cervical spine extensor muscles (multifidus with semispinalis cervicis) in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain compared to age and sex-matched asymptomatic controls: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:973. [PMID: 36357864 PMCID: PMC9647973 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05924-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle size and composition (muscle volume and muscle fat infiltrate [MFI]) may provide insight into possible mechanisms underpinning chronic idiopathic neck pain, a common condition with no definitive underlying pathology. In individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain > 3 months and age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls, muscle volumes of levator scapulae, multifidus including semispinalis cervicis (MFSS), semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis including splenius cervicis (SCSC), sternocleidomastoid and longus colli from C3 through T1 were quantified from magnetic resonance imaging. Between-group differences were determined using linear mixed models, accounting for side (left or right), muscle, spinal level, sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Individuals with pain had greater muscle volume (mean difference 76.8mm3; 95% CI 26.6-127.0; p = .003) and MFI (2.3%; 0.2-4.5; p = .034) of the MFSS compared to matched controls with no differences in relative volume, accounting for factors associated with the outcomes: muscle, spinal level, side (left had smaller volume, relative volume and MFI than right), sex (females had less volume and relative volume than males), age (older age associated with less relative volume and greater MFI), and BMI (higher BMI associated with greater muscle volume and MFI). Greater MFI in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain suggests a possible underlying mechanism contributing to neck pain. Perspective: These findings suggest MFI in the MFSS may be radiologic sign, potentially identifying patients with a less favourable prognosis. Future studies are needed to confirm this finding and determine if MFI is a contributor to the development or persistence of neck pain, or consequence of neck pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne J Snodgrass
- grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XSchool of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia ,grid.413648.cHunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Peter Stanwell
- grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XSchool of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia ,grid.413648.cHunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Kenneth A. Weber
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | - Samala Shepherd
- grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XSchool of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Olivia Kennedy
- grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XSchool of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Hannah J Thompson
- grid.266842.c0000 0000 8831 109XSchool of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
| | - James M Elliott
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health & The Northern Sydney Local Health District - The Kolling Institute, Level 13, NSW St Leonards, Australia ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
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Keidan L, Barash A, Lenzner Z, Pick CG, Been E. Sexual dimorphism of the posterior cervical spine muscle attachments. J Anat 2021; 239:589-601. [PMID: 33876427 PMCID: PMC8349410 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical spinal injury and neck pain are common disorders with wide physical implications. Neck pain and disability are reported to occur in females more often than in males, and chronic or persistent neck pain after whiplash is twice as common in females. Female athletes also sustain a higher percentage of concussions compared to male athletes. Still, while sexual differences in clinical presentation and outcome are well-established, the underlying etiology for the disparity remains less clear. It is well-established that the origin and insertion landmarks of posterior neck muscles are highly variable, but we do not know if these interindividual differences are associated with sex. Expanding our knowledge on sexual dimorphism in the anatomy of the cervical muscles is essential to our understanding of the possible biomechanical differences between the sexes and hence improves our understanding as to why females suffer from cervical pain more than males. It is also of paramount importance for accurate planning of posterior cervical spine surgery, which cuts through the posterior cervical musculature. Therefore, our main objective is to characterize the anatomy of posterior neck musculature and to explore possible sexual differences in the location of their attachment points. Meticulous posterior neck dissection was performed on 35 cadavers, 19 females, and 16 males. In each specimen, 8 muscle groups were examined bilaterally at 45 osseous anatomical landmarks. Muscles and their attachment sites were evaluated manually then photographed and recorded using Microscribe Digitizer technology built into 3D models. A comparison of attachment landmarks between males and females for each muscle was conducted. Out of the eight muscles that were measured, only two muscles demonstrated significant sex-related anatomical differences-Spinotranversales (splenius capitis and cervicis) and Multifidus. Male Spinotransversales muscle has more attachment points than female. It showed more cranial insertion points in the upper cervical attachments (superior nuchal line, C1 posterior tubercle, and mastoid process) and more caudal insertion points in the spinous processes and transverse processes of the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae. Thus, the male subjects in this study exhibited a greater coverage of the posterior neck both cranially and caudally. Female Multifidus has more attachment points on the spinous processes and articular processes at middle and lower cervical vertebrae and at the transverse processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae. All remaining muscles exhibited no sexual differences. Our findings highlight, for the first time, a sexual dimorphism in attachment points of posterior cervical musculature. It reinforces the notion that the female neck is not a scaled version of the male neck. These differences in muscle attachment could partially explain differences in muscle torque production and range of motion and thus biomechanical differences in cervical spine stabilization between sexes. It sheds a much-needed light on the reason for higher whiplash rates, concussion, and chronic cervical pain among females. Surgeons should take these sexual morphological differences into consideration when deliberating the best surgical approach for posterior cervical surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Keidan
- Department of Anatomy and AnthropologySackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv UniversityTel‐AvivIsrael
| | - Alon Barash
- Azrieli Faculty of MedicineBar Ilan UniversitySafedIsrael
| | - Ziv Lenzner
- Screen Based Art DepartmentBezalel Academy of Arts and DesignJerusalemIsrael
| | - Chaim G. Pick
- Department of Anatomy and AnthropologySackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv UniversityTel‐AvivIsrael
- Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Chair and Center for the Biology of Addictive DiseasesTel‐Aviv UniversityTel‐AvivIsrael
- Sylvan Adams Sports InstituteTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ella Been
- Department of Anatomy and AnthropologySackler Faculty of MedicineTel‐Aviv UniversityTel‐AvivIsrael
- Department of Sports TherapyFaculty of Health ProfessionsOno Academic CollegeKiryat OnoIsrael
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Nagai T, Schilaty ND, Krause DA, Crowley EM, Hewett TE. Sex Differences in Ultrasound-Based Muscle Size and Mechanical Properties of the Cervical-Flexor and -Extensor Muscles. J Athl Train 2020; 55:282-288. [PMID: 31967864 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-482-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Neck pain (NP), neck injuries, and concussions are more prevalent in female athletes than in their male counterparts. Females exhibit less neck girth, strength, and stiffness against a perturbation. As part of the clinical examination for individuals with NP, ultrasound (US)-based imaging of the cervical muscles has become common. Muscle size or thickness and stiffness can be measured with US-based B-mode and shear-wave elastography (SWE), respectively. Information on reliability, normative values, and sex differences based on US-based muscle size or thickness and stiffness in young and athletic individuals is limited. OBJECTIVE To evaluate sex differences in US-based muscle size or thickness and biomechanical properties of the cervical-flexor and -extensor muscles. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 13 women (age = 23.7 ± 1.9 years, height = 167.1 ± 6.1 cm, mass = 63.8 ± 5.6 kg) and 11 men (age = 25.6 ± 4.9 years, height = 178.7 ± 8.3 cm, mass = 78.9 ± 12.0 kg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The same examiner collected all measures, using US B-mode to scan the cross-sectional area and thickness of the longus colli (LC), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), cervical-extensor muscles, and upper trapezius (UT) muscle. The US SWE-mode was used to measure the stiffness of the SCM and UT. Independent t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were calculated to determine sex differences. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) measured intrarater test-retest reliability. RESULTS Men had thicker SCMs than women (P = .01). No sex differences were present for longus colli cross-sectional area, cervical-extensor muscle thickness, or UT thickness (P > .05). In addition, no sex differences were evident for SCM (P = .302) or UT (P = .703) SWE stiffness. Reliability was good to excellent (ICC = 0.715-0.890) except for SCM SWE stiffness (ICC = 0.554). CONCLUSIONS The only sex difference was in SCM thickness. However, smaller SCMs in women did not result in less SCM SWE stiffness. We provided normative values for US-based imaging of the cervical-flexor and -extensor muscles in young and athletic men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nagai
- Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Nathan D Schilaty
- Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - David A Krause
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Eric M Crowley
- Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Timothy E Hewett
- Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Sports Medicine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Electromyographic Evaluation of Specific Elastic Band Exercises Targeting Neck and Shoulder Muscle Activation. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10030756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: Specific strength training at a high intensity is effective in reducing work related neck/shoulder pain. However, it remains to be documented as to which exercises most specifically target neck and shoulder muscles at high activation level while using simple equipment as e.g., elastic bands. We hypothezised that selected exercises would specifically target the respective muscles, as follows: (1) shrugs and reverse flyes: the upper trapezius muscle, (2) cervical extension and lateral flexion: the upper neck extensor muscle, and (3) cervical flexion and rotation: the sternocleidomastoideus muscle. Methods: Eleven healthy males (25.9 ± 1.4 years, BMI 24.3 ± 1.4) with no neck/shoulder pain (VAS = 0) performed the six exercises with elastic bands at 12RM (repetition maximum) and 20RM in a randomized order. Electromyography was bilaterally recorded from the three muscles and it was normalized to maximal voluntary activation (%MVE). Exercises that evoke more than 60%MVE were considered as high intensity activation. Results: High muscle activation level was attained during 12RM in the upper trapezius muscle during shrugs (100.3 ± 29.8%MVE) and reverse flyes (91.6 ± 32.8%MVE) and in the upper neck extensor muscle during cervical extension (67.6 ± 29.8%MVE) and shrugs (61.9 ± 16.8%MVE). In the sternocleidomastoideus muscle, the highest activity was recorded during cervical flexion (51.7 ± 16.4%MVE) but it did not exceed 60%MVE. The overall activity was ~10% higher during 12RM when compared to 20RM. Conclusion: The simple exercises shrugs and reverse flyes resulted in high intensity activation of both the upper trapezius and neck extensors, while no exercises activated sternocleidomastoideus at high intensity.
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