An observational pilot study to compare the strength and endurance of neck muscles of chronic neck pain patients as compared to age- and gender-matched controls using a handheld dynamometer

Abstract

Context: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Strength and endurance measurements of neck muscles can be of substantial help to evaluate the basic condition and examine whether the rehabilitation protocol has been beneficial or not. Aims: The aim was to propose a technique to use handheld dynamometer for measurement of strength of neck muscles and study the strength and endurance of neck muscles in chronic nonspecific neck pain patients as compared to age- and gender-matched controls. Settings and Design: It is a cross-sectional observational study. Materials and Methodology: Neck muscle strength and endurance was measured in patients with neck pain (n = 30) and without neck pain (n = 30). Statistical Analysis Used: Test–retest reliability, Man–Whitney U-test, and ratio analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for the technique used to measure neck muscle strength was found reliable and valid. The mean of neck flexor and extensor strength in neck pain patients was 2.97 ± 1.09 kg and 4.70 ± 0.87 kg (P Conclusions: Handheld dynamometer is a reliable tool to measure the strength of neck muscles. Strength and endurance of neck muscles chronic neck pain patients is significantly lower as compared to age- and gender-matched controls.