Cervical Spine and CranioVertebral region function in Elite Short Track Speed Skating Athletes

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> Previous work has suggested that neck strength and control can be a protective factor against sustaining concussions during high impacts. The objective of this study was to characterize cervical spine and craniovertebral function in elite STSS and evaluate differences by athlete biological sex and skill level. <h3>Design</h3> Cross-sectional study. <h3>Setting</h3> National and Regional High Performance Athletic Training Facilities. <h3>Participants</h3> Members of the Canadian Senior National STSS team (n=25; 48% male) as well members of the Eastern Regional STSS Development Team (n=16; 56% male) were assessed as part of their pre-season baseline physical examination. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Clinical evaluations for neck pain, cervical spine range of motion (ROM) for flexion, extension, rotation, and sideflexion; cervical strength/control and endurance for flexion, extension, and sideflexion; neck postural reactions; manual spine examination/palpation as well as craniovertebral mobility. <h3>Results</h3> Athletes presented with full ROM on clinical observation for all six cervical spine movements (median %ROM = 100). Median time for cervical flexor endurance was 46 seconds (range: 16-134s) but fibrillations were observed in 56% of participants. Extensor endurance reached the pre-determined maximum time of 180 seconds for all but 2 athletes. Performance on the craniocervical flexion test revealed a mean performance index of 65.1 (95%CI 54,5-75,7). The manual spinal exam was within normal limits for mobility, but pain was elicited in some athletes (26% right; 12% left). No differences were found between senior and junior level athletes or between males and females, except for cervical sideflexion endurance where females had significantly lower performance than males (p < 0.001). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Cervical spine and craniovertebral function did not differ by skill level in elite short track speed skaters but greater superficial muscle activation and lower than expected endurance of deep cervical flexors was identified in athletes of all levels and of both sexes. Since control of deep flexors is important for neck stability, it could be the target of specific intervention in elite short track speed skaters. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.