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Falla Deborah - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Neck Muscle Stiffness Measured With Shear Wave Elastography in Women With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain
'Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT)', 2020Co-Authors: Dieterich Angela, Nordez Antoine, Petzke Frank, Yavuz, Utku Şükrü, Falla DeborahAbstract:International audienceObjectiveUtilizing shear wave elastography, we compared the stiffness of the Neck extensor Muscles and the stiffness in Muscle-specific regions between women with chronic nonspecific Neck pain and asymptomatic controls.DesignCross-sectional observational study.MethodsWe measured the average Muscle stiffness over multiple Neck extensor Muscles and in regions corresponding approximately to the trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, and multifidus Muscles using ultrasound shear wave elastography in 20 women with chronic nonspecific Neck pain and 18 asymptomatic women during multiple tasks. The measurements were automatically quality controlled and computer processed over the complete visible Neck region or a large Muscle-specific region.ResultsPooled over all tasks, Neck Muscle stiffness was not significantly different between those with Neck pain and asymptomatic controls (Neck pain median, 11.6 kPa; interquartile range, 8.9 kPa and control median, 13.3 kPa; interquartile range, 8.6 kPa; P = .175). The measure of Neck Muscle stiffness was not correlated with the intensity of Neck pain or perceived disability.ConclusionShear wave elastography revealed similar Muscle stiffness in people with and without chronic Neck pain, despite the sensation of increased Neck stiffness in those with chronic Neck pain. Therapeutic interventions aiming to reduce Neck Muscle tone are often based on the assumption that perceived Neck stiffness corresponds to objective Muscle stiffness. The current results question this assumption
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Neck Muscle Stiffness Measured With Shear Wave Elastography in Women With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain
'Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT)', 2020Co-Authors: Dieterich Angela, Nordez Antoine, Petzke Frank, Yavuz, Utku Şükrü, Falla DeborahAbstract:OBJECTIVE: Utilizing shear wave elastography, we compared the stiffness of the Neck extensor Muscles and the stiffness in Muscle-specific regions between women with chronic nonspecific Neck pain and asymptomatic controls. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: We measured the average Muscle stiffness over multiple Neck extensor Muscles and in regions corresponding approximately to the trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, and multifidus Muscles using ultrasound shear wave elastography in 20 women with chronic nonspecific Neck pain and 18 asymptomatic women during multiple tasks. The measurements were automatically quality controlled and computer processed over the complete visible Neck region or a large Muscle-specific region. RESULTS: Pooled over all tasks, Neck Muscle stiffness was not significantly different between those with Neck pain and asymptomatic controls (Neck pain median, 11.6 kPa; interquartile range, 8.9 kPa and control median, 13.3 kPa; interquartile range, 8.6 kPa; P = .175). The measure of Neck Muscle stiffness was not correlated with the intensity of Neck pain or perceived disability. CONCLUSION: Shear wave elastography revealed similar Muscle stiffness in people with and without chronic Neck pain, despite the sensation of increased Neck stiffness in those with chronic Neck pain. Therapeutic interventions aiming to reduce Neck Muscle tone are often based on the assumption that perceived Neck stiffness corresponds to objective Muscle stiffness. The current results question this assumption. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(4):179-188. Epub 6 Jan 2020. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.8821
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SHORT- AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON Neck Muscle FUNCTION IN CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
'Acta Dermato-Venereologica', 2016Co-Authors: Halvorsen Marie, Peolsson Anneli, Falla Deborah, Gizzi Leonardo, Harms-ringdahl Karin, Dedering AsaAbstract:Objective: To compare short-and long-term changes in Neck Muscle endurance, electromyography measures of Neck Muscle activation and fatigue and ratings of fatigue and pain after Neck-specific training or physical activity in people with cervical radiculopathy. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Subjects/patients: Seventy-five patients with cervical radiculopathy. Methods: Patients underwent Neck-specific training in combination with a cognitive behavioural approach or prescribed physical activity over a period of 14 weeks. Immediately after the intervention and 12 months later, surface electromyography was recorded from Neck flexor and extensor Muscles during Neck endurance tests. Time to task failure, amplitude and median frequency of the electromyography signal, and subjective fatigue and pain ratings were analysed in 50 patients who completed at least one follow-up. Results: A significant increase in Neck flexor endurance time was observed for both groups at 14 weeks compared with baseline and this was maintained at the 12-month follow-up (pamp;lt;0.005). No change was identified for the slope of the median frequency. For the Neck-specific training group, splenius capitis was less active during Neck flexion at both follow-ups (pamp;lt;0.01), indicating reduced Muscle co-activation. Conclusion: Both specific and general exercise increased Neck flexor endurance, but Neck-specific training only reduced co-activation of antagonist Muscles during sustained Neck flexion.Funding Agencies|Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
Gisela Sjogaard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Muscle activation during selected strength exercises in women with chronic Neck Muscle pain
Physical Therapy, 2008Co-Authors: Lars L Andersen, Michael Kjaer, Christoffer H Andersen, Peter B Hansen, Mette K Zebis, Klaus Hansen, Gisela SjogaardAbstract:Background and Purpose: Muscle-specific strength training has previously been shown to be effective in the rehabilitation of chronic Neck Muscle pain in women. The aim of this study was to determine the level of activation of the Neck and shoulder Muscles using surface electromyography (EMG) during selected strengthening exercises in women undergoing rehabilitation for chronic Neck Muscle pain (defined as a clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia). Subjects: The subjects were 12 female workers (age=30–60 years) with a clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia and a mean baseline pain intensity of 5.6 (range=3–8) on a scale of 0 to 9. Method: Electromyographic activity in the trapezius and deltoid Muscles was measured during the exercises (lateral raises, upright rows, shrugs, one-arm rows, and reverse flys) and normalized to EMG activity recorded during a maximal voluntary static contraction (MVC). Results: For most exercises, the level of Muscle activation was relatively high (>60% of MVC), highlighting the effectiveness and specificity of the respective exercises. For the trapezius Muscle, the highest level of Muscle activation was found during the shrug (102±11% of MVC), lateral raise (97±6% of MVC), and upright row (85±5% of MVC) exercises, but the latter 2 exercises required smaller training loads (3–10 kg) compared with the shrug exercise (20–30 kg). Discussion and Conclusion: The lateral raise and upright row may be suitable alternatives to shrugs during rehabilitation of chronic Neck Muscle pain. Several of the strength exercises had high activation of Neck and shoulder Muscles in women with chronic Neck pain. These exercises can be used equally in the attempt to achieve a beneficial treatment effect on chronic Neck Muscle pain.
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effect of two contrasting types of physical exercise on chronic Neck Muscle pain
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2008Co-Authors: Lars L Andersen, Michael Kjaer, Karen Sogaard, Lone Hansen, Ann I Kryger, Gisela SjogaardAbstract:Objective The prevalence of Neck Muscle pain has steadily increased and especially pain from the descending part of the trapezius Muscle has been associated with monotonous work tasks such as computer work. Physical exercise is generally recommended as treatment, but it is unclear which type of training is most effective. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of specific strength training of the painful Muscle versus general fitness training without direct involvement of the painful Muscle (leg bicycling) on work-related Neck Muscle pain. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial and recruited subjects from 7 workplaces characterized by monotonous jobs (e.g., computer-intensive work). Forty-eight employed women with chronic Neck Muscle pain (defined as a clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia) were randomly assigned to 10 weeks of specific strength training locally for the affected Muscle, general fitness training performed as leg bicycling with relaxed shoulders, or a reference intervention without physical activity. The main outcome measure was an acute and prolonged change in intensity of Neck Muscle pain (100-mm visual analog scale [VAS]). Results A decrease of 35 mm (∼79%; P < 0.001) in the worst VAS pain score over a 10-week period was seen with specific strength training, whereas an acute and transient decrease in pain (5 mm; P < 0.05) was found with general fitness training. Conclusion Specific strength training had high clinical relevance and led to marked prolonged relief in Neck Muscle pain. General fitness training showed only a small yet statistically significant acute pain reduction.
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torque emg velocity relationship in female workers with chronic Neck Muscle pain
Journal of Biomechanics, 2008Co-Authors: Lars L Andersen, Karen Sogaard, Christoffer H Andersen, Pernille Kofoed Nielsen, Jorgen Skotte, Gisela SjogaardAbstract:Abstract The present study investigated the effect of chronic Neck Muscle pain (defined as trapezius myalgia) on Neck/shoulder Muscle function during concentric, eccentric and static contraction. Forty-two female office workers with trapezius myalgia (MYA) and 20 healthy matched controls (CON) participated. Isokinetic (−60, 60 and 180° s−1) and static maximal voluntary shoulder abductions were performed in a Biodex dynamometer, and electromyography (EMG) obtained in the trapezius and deltoideus Muscles. Muscle thickness in the trapezius was measured with ultrasound. Pain and perceived exertion were registered before and after the dynamometer test. The main findings were that shoulder abduction torque (at −60 and 60° s−1) and trapezius EMG amplitude (at −60, 0 and 60° s−1) were significantly lower in MYA compared with CON (p In conclusion, having trapezius myalgia was associated with decreased strength capacity and lowered activity of the painful trapezius Muscle. The most consistent differences—in terms of both torque and EMG—were found during slow concentric and eccentric contractions. Activity of the synergistic pain free deltoideus Muscle was not significantly lower, indicating specific inhibitory feedback of the painful trapezius Muscle only. Parallel increase in pain and perceived exertion among MYA were observed in response to the maximal contractions, emphasizing that heavy physical exertion provokes pain increase only in conditions of myalgia.
Hansotto Karnath - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Neck Muscle vibration induces lasting recovery in spatial neglect
Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 2002Co-Authors: I Schindler, Hansotto Karnath, Georg Kerkhoff, Ingo Keller, Georg GoldenbergAbstract:Objectives: To evaluate whether Neck Muscle vibration is an effective technique for neglect rehabilitation, with lasting beneficial effects. Methods: The effects of differential treatment of visual exploration training alone or in combination with Neck Muscle vibration were evaluated in a crossover study of two matched groups of 10 patients suffering from left sided neglect. Each group received a sequence of 15 consecutive sessions of exploration training and combined treatment. The effects of treatment were assessed with respect to different aspects of the neglect disorder such as impaired perception of the egocentric midline, exploration deficits in visual and tactile modes, and visual size distortion. The transfer of treatment effects to activities of daily living was examined by a reading test and a questionnaire of neglect related everyday problems. All variables were measured six times: three baseline measurements, two post-treatment measurements, and one follow up after two months. Results: The results showed superior effects of combination treatment. A specific and lasting reduction in the symptoms of neglect was achieved in the visual mode, which transferred to the tactile mode with a concomitant improvement in activities of daily living. The improvement was evident two months after the completion of treatment. In contrast, isolated exploration training resulted in only minor therapeutic benefits in visual exploration without any significant transfer effects to other tasks. Conclusions: Neck Muscle vibration is a decisive factor in the rehabilitation of spatial neglect and induces lasting recovery when given as a supplement to conventional exploration training.
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effect of prolonged Neck Muscle vibration on lateral head tilt in severe spasmodic torticollis
Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 2000Co-Authors: Hansotto Karnath, Juergen Konczak, J DichgansAbstract:Short term vibration of the dorsal Neck Muscles (10–35 s) is known to induce involuntary movements of the head in patients with spasmodic torticollis. To investigate whether Neck Muscle vibration might serve as a therapeutic tool when applyed for a longer time interval, we compared a vibration interval of 5 seconds with a 15 minute interval in a patient with spasmodic torticollis with an extreme head tilt to the right shoulder. Head position was recorded with a two camera optoelectronic motion analyzer in six different test conditions. Vibration regularly induced a rapid change of head position that was markedly closer to a normal, upright posture. After 5 seconds of vibration, head position very quickly returned to the initial position within seconds. During the 15 minute interval, head position remained elevated. After terminating vibration in this condition, the corrected head position remained stable at first and then decreased slowly within minutes to the initial tilted position. CONCLUSIONS (1) In this patient, Muscle vibration was the specific sensory input that induced lengthening of the dystonic Neck Muscles. Neither haptic stimulation nor transcutaneous electrical stimulation had more than a marginal effect. (2) The marked difference in the change of head position after short and prolonged stimulation supports the hypothesis that spasmodic torticollis might result from a disturbance of the central processing of the afferent input conveying head position information—at least in those patients who are sensitive to sensory stimulation in the Neck region. (3) Long term Neck Muscle vibration may provide a convenient non-invasive method for treating spasmodic torticollis at the central level by influencing the neural control of head on trunk position.
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subjective body orientation in neglect and the interactive contribution of Neck Muscle proprioception and vestibular stimulation
Brain, 1994Co-Authors: Hansotto KarnathAbstract:Three patients with a right, predominantly parietal lesion and marked left-sided neglect without visual field defects were asked to direct a laser point to the position which they felt to lie exactly ‘straight ahead’ of their bodies' orientation. Whereas in both light and darkness, the subjective body orientation was close to the objective body position in the control groups, the three neglect patients localized the body’s sagittal midplane-15° to the right of the objective orientation. No relevant differences of ‘straight ahead’ were found between the neglect patients and controls in the vertical plane. The neglect patients' horizontal displacement of sagittal midplane to the right could be compensated for either by Neck Muscle vibration or by caloric vestibular stimulation on the left side. When vestibular stimulation was combined with Neck Muscle vibration, the horizontal deviation linearly combined by adding or neutralizing the effects observed when both types of stimulation were applied exclusively in the control groups as well as in the neglect patients. Moreover, data analysis revealed that the neglect patients' ipsilesionally displaced subjective body orientation does not result from a disturbed primary perception or disturbed transmission of the vestibular or proprioceptive input from the periphery. The present results support the hypothesis that the essential aspect leading to neglect in brain-damaged patients is a disturbance of those cortical structures that are crucial for transforming the sensory input coordinates from the peripheral sensory organs—here the retina, Neck Muscle spindles and cupulae—into an egocentric, body-centred coordinate frame of reference. In neglect patients the coordinate transformation seems to work with a systematic error and deviation of the spatial reference frame to the ipsilesional side leading to a corresponding displacement of subjective localization of body orientation. It can be concluded further that Neck Muscle proprioception and vestibular stimulation directly interact in contributing to the subject's mental representation of space. The data suggest that the afferent information from these different input channels is used simultanenously for computing egocentric, body-centred coordinates that allow us to determine our body position in space.
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subjective body orientation in neglect and the interactive contribution of Neck Muscle proprioception and vestibular stimulation
Brain, 1994Co-Authors: Hansotto KarnathAbstract:Three patients with a right, predominantly parietal lesion and marked left-sided neglect without visual field defects were asked to direct a laser point to the position which they felt to lie exactly 'straight ahead' of their bodies' orientation. Whereas in both light and darkness, the subjective body orientation was close to the objective body position in the control groups, the three neglect patients localized the body's sagittal midplane approximately 15 degrees to the right of the objective orientation. No relevant differences of 'straight ahead' were found between the neglect patients and controls in the vertical plane. The neglect patients' horizontal displacement of sagittal midplane to the right could be compensated for either by Neck Muscle vibration or by caloric vestibular stimulation on the left side. When vestibular stimulation was combined with Neck Muscle vibration, the horizontal deviation linearly combined by adding or neutralizing the effects observed when both types of stimulation were applied exclusively in the control groups as well as in the neglect patients. Moreover, data analysis revealed that the neglect patients' ipsilesionally displaced subjective body orientation does not result from a disturbed primary perception or disturbed transmission of the vestibular or proprioceptive input from the periphery. The present results support the hypothesis that the essential aspect leading to neglect in brain-damaged patients is a disturbance of those cortical structures that are crucial for transforming the sensory input coordinates from the peripheral sensory organs--here the retina, Neck Muscle spindles and cupulae--into an egocentric, body-centred coordinate frame of reference. In neglect patients the coordinate transformation seems to work with a systematic error and deviation of the spatial reference frame to the ipsilesional side leading to a corresponding displacement of subjective localization of body orientation. It can be concluded further that Neck Muscle proprioception and vestibular stimulation directly interact in contributing to the subject's mental representation of space. The data suggest that the afferent information from these different input channels is used simultaneously for computing egocentric, body-centred coordinates that allow us to determine our body position in space.
Deborah Falla - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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short and long term effects of exercise on Neck Muscle function in cervical radiculopathy a randomized clinical trial
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2016Co-Authors: Marie Halvorsen, Anneli Peolsson, Deborah Falla, Leonardo Gizzi, Karin Harmsringdahl, Asa DederingAbstract:OBJECTIVE To compare short- and long-term changes in Neck Muscle endurance, electromyography measures of Neck Muscle activation and fatigue and ratings of fatigue and pain after Neck-specific training or physical activity in people with cervical radiculopathy. DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS Seventy-five patients with cervical radiculopathy. METHODS Patients underwent Neck-specific training in combination with a cognitive behavioural approach or prescribed physical activity over a period of 14 weeks. Immediately after the intervention and 12 months later, surface electromyography was recorded from Neck flexor and extensor Muscles during Neck endurance tests. Time to task failure, amplitude and median frequency of the electromyography signal, and subjective fatigue and pain ratings were analysed in 50 patients who completed at least one follow-up. RESULTS A significant increase in Neck flexor endurance time was observed for both groups at 14 weeks compared with baseline and this was maintained at the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.005). No change was identified for the slope of the median frequency. For the Neck-specific training group, splenius capitis was less active during Neck flexion at both follow-ups (p < 0.01), indicating reduced Muscle co-activation. CONCLUSION Both specific and general exercise increased Neck flexor endurance, but Neck-specific training only reduced co-activation of antagonist Muscles during sustained Neck flexion.
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effectiveness of an 8 week exercise programme on pain and specificity of Neck Muscle activity in patients with chronic Neck pain a randomized controlled study
European Journal of Pain, 2013Co-Authors: Deborah Falla, Rene Lindstrom, Lotte Rechter, Shellie Boudreau, Frank PetzkeAbstract:Background Although exercise can be effective for relief of Neck pain, little is known about the effect of exercise on the neural control of Neck Muscles. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 46 women with chronic Neck pain to investigate the immediate effectiveness of an 8-week exercise programme on pain and directional specificity of Neck Muscle activity. At baseline, the patients completed questionnaires including the Neck disability index (NDI) and performed a circular contraction of their head in the horizontal plane at 15 N force, with continuous change in force direction in the range 0–360°. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and splenius capitis (SCap) Muscles. Tuning curves of the EMG amplitude were computed, which depicts Muscle activity over a range of force directions. The mean point of the tuning curves defined a directional vector, which determined the specificity of Muscle activity. Patients were randomly assigned either to a training or control group. Results A significant between-group difference in the change in NDI was observed. A reduction in NDI was observed following training (pre: 18.2 ± 7.4; post: 14.1 ± 6.5; p < 0.01) but not for the control group (pre: 17.5 ± 6.3; post: 16.6 ± 7.4). The training group showed higher specificity of Muscle activity post-intervention (pre: 18.6 ± 9.8%, post: 24.7 ± 14.3%; p < 0.05), whereas no change occurred for the control group (pre: 19.4 ± 11.9%, post: 18.2 ± 10.1%). Conclusion An exercise programme that aims to enhance motor control of the cervical spine improves the specificity of Neck Muscle activity and reduces pain and disability in patients with Neck pain.
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association between Neck Muscle coactivation pain and strength in women with Neck pain
Manual Therapy, 2011Co-Authors: Rene Lindstrom, Jochen Schomacher, Dario Farina, Lotte Rechter, Deborah FallaAbstract:Abstract This study investigates the relationship between Neck Muscle coactivation, Neck strength and perceived pain and disability in women with Neck pain. Surface electromyography (EMG) was acquired from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and splenius capitis (SC) Muscles of 13 women with chronic Neck pain and 10 controls as they performed 1) maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) in flexion, extension and left and right lateral flexion, 2) ramped contractions from 0% to 50% MVC in flexion and extension and 3) circular contractions in the horizontal plane at 15N and 30N force. Higher values of EMG amplitude were observed for the SC (antagonist) during ramped Neck flexion and for the SCM during ramped extension in the patient group ( P P R 2 =0.35, P R 2 =0.53, P R 2 =0.54, P
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association between Neck Muscle coactivation pain and strength in women with Neck pain
Manual Therapy, 2011Co-Authors: Rene Lindstrom, Jochen Schomacher, Dario Farina, Lotte Rechter, Deborah FallaAbstract:This study investigates the relationship between Neck Muscle coactivation, Neck strength and perceived pain and disability in women with Neck pain. Surface electromyography (EMG) was acquired from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and splenius capitis (SC) Muscles of 13 women with chronic Neck pain and 10 controls as they performed 1) maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) in flexion, extension and left and right lateral flexion, 2) ramped contractions from 0% to 50% MVC in flexion and extension and 3) circular contractions in the horizontal plane at 15N and 30N force. Higher values of EMG amplitude were observed for the SC (antagonist) during ramped Neck flexion and for the SCM during ramped extension in the patient group (P<0.05). The patients displayed reduced values of directional specificity in the surface EMG of the SCM and SC for the circular contractions (P<0.05). The EMG amplitude of SC during cervical flexion was positively correlated with the patients' pain (R² =0.35, P<0.05) and perceived disability (R² 0.53, P<0.01). An inverse correlation was evident between the amount of activation of SC during cervical flexion and strength (R² =0.54, P<0.01). These observations indicate a relationship between alterations in neuromuscular control in patients with Neck pain and functional consequences, including impaired motor performance and increased levels of perceived disability.
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Muscle pain induces task dependent changes in cervical agonist antagonist activity
Journal of Applied Physiology, 2007Co-Authors: Deborah Falla, Dario Farina, Kanstrup M Dahl, Thomas GravennielsenAbstract:This study examined the effect of experimental Neck Muscle pain on the EMG-force relationship of cervical agonist and antagonist Muscles. Surface EMG signals were detected from the sternomastoid, s...
Lars L Andersen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Muscle activation during selected strength exercises in women with chronic Neck Muscle pain
Physical Therapy, 2008Co-Authors: Lars L Andersen, Michael Kjaer, Christoffer H Andersen, Peter B Hansen, Mette K Zebis, Klaus Hansen, Gisela SjogaardAbstract:Background and Purpose: Muscle-specific strength training has previously been shown to be effective in the rehabilitation of chronic Neck Muscle pain in women. The aim of this study was to determine the level of activation of the Neck and shoulder Muscles using surface electromyography (EMG) during selected strengthening exercises in women undergoing rehabilitation for chronic Neck Muscle pain (defined as a clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia). Subjects: The subjects were 12 female workers (age=30–60 years) with a clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia and a mean baseline pain intensity of 5.6 (range=3–8) on a scale of 0 to 9. Method: Electromyographic activity in the trapezius and deltoid Muscles was measured during the exercises (lateral raises, upright rows, shrugs, one-arm rows, and reverse flys) and normalized to EMG activity recorded during a maximal voluntary static contraction (MVC). Results: For most exercises, the level of Muscle activation was relatively high (>60% of MVC), highlighting the effectiveness and specificity of the respective exercises. For the trapezius Muscle, the highest level of Muscle activation was found during the shrug (102±11% of MVC), lateral raise (97±6% of MVC), and upright row (85±5% of MVC) exercises, but the latter 2 exercises required smaller training loads (3–10 kg) compared with the shrug exercise (20–30 kg). Discussion and Conclusion: The lateral raise and upright row may be suitable alternatives to shrugs during rehabilitation of chronic Neck Muscle pain. Several of the strength exercises had high activation of Neck and shoulder Muscles in women with chronic Neck pain. These exercises can be used equally in the attempt to achieve a beneficial treatment effect on chronic Neck Muscle pain.
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effect of two contrasting types of physical exercise on chronic Neck Muscle pain
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2008Co-Authors: Lars L Andersen, Michael Kjaer, Karen Sogaard, Lone Hansen, Ann I Kryger, Gisela SjogaardAbstract:Objective The prevalence of Neck Muscle pain has steadily increased and especially pain from the descending part of the trapezius Muscle has been associated with monotonous work tasks such as computer work. Physical exercise is generally recommended as treatment, but it is unclear which type of training is most effective. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of specific strength training of the painful Muscle versus general fitness training without direct involvement of the painful Muscle (leg bicycling) on work-related Neck Muscle pain. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial and recruited subjects from 7 workplaces characterized by monotonous jobs (e.g., computer-intensive work). Forty-eight employed women with chronic Neck Muscle pain (defined as a clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia) were randomly assigned to 10 weeks of specific strength training locally for the affected Muscle, general fitness training performed as leg bicycling with relaxed shoulders, or a reference intervention without physical activity. The main outcome measure was an acute and prolonged change in intensity of Neck Muscle pain (100-mm visual analog scale [VAS]). Results A decrease of 35 mm (∼79%; P < 0.001) in the worst VAS pain score over a 10-week period was seen with specific strength training, whereas an acute and transient decrease in pain (5 mm; P < 0.05) was found with general fitness training. Conclusion Specific strength training had high clinical relevance and led to marked prolonged relief in Neck Muscle pain. General fitness training showed only a small yet statistically significant acute pain reduction.
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torque emg velocity relationship in female workers with chronic Neck Muscle pain
Journal of Biomechanics, 2008Co-Authors: Lars L Andersen, Karen Sogaard, Christoffer H Andersen, Pernille Kofoed Nielsen, Jorgen Skotte, Gisela SjogaardAbstract:Abstract The present study investigated the effect of chronic Neck Muscle pain (defined as trapezius myalgia) on Neck/shoulder Muscle function during concentric, eccentric and static contraction. Forty-two female office workers with trapezius myalgia (MYA) and 20 healthy matched controls (CON) participated. Isokinetic (−60, 60 and 180° s−1) and static maximal voluntary shoulder abductions were performed in a Biodex dynamometer, and electromyography (EMG) obtained in the trapezius and deltoideus Muscles. Muscle thickness in the trapezius was measured with ultrasound. Pain and perceived exertion were registered before and after the dynamometer test. The main findings were that shoulder abduction torque (at −60 and 60° s−1) and trapezius EMG amplitude (at −60, 0 and 60° s−1) were significantly lower in MYA compared with CON (p In conclusion, having trapezius myalgia was associated with decreased strength capacity and lowered activity of the painful trapezius Muscle. The most consistent differences—in terms of both torque and EMG—were found during slow concentric and eccentric contractions. Activity of the synergistic pain free deltoideus Muscle was not significantly lower, indicating specific inhibitory feedback of the painful trapezius Muscle only. Parallel increase in pain and perceived exertion among MYA were observed in response to the maximal contractions, emphasizing that heavy physical exertion provokes pain increase only in conditions of myalgia.
