Dorsal Neck Muscles Research Articles

5 背側頸筋刺激に反応する侵害受容ニューロンの機能特性(第515回大阪歯科学会例会)

5 背側頸筋刺激に反応する侵害受容ニューロンの機能特性(第515回大阪歯科学会例会)

Differential Activation of the Dorsal Neck Muscles During a Light Arm-Elevation Task in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Controls: An Ultrasonographic Study

BackgroundDisturbance in neck muscle function is a well-known complication of chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP). It is, however, unclear which muscles are more susceptible to functional impairment in patients with CNNP during upper limb tasks. ObjectivesTo compare ultrasonographic changes in dorsal neck muscles thickness in patients with CNNP and asymptomatic controls while they performed a light load upper-limb movement. DesignCase control. SettingUniversity research laboratory. ParticipantsTwenty individuals with CNNP with a mean age of 23.35 ± 2.94 and 20 asymptomatic controls with a mean age of 22.30 ± 2.86, without any history of cervical diskopathy, fracture, trauma, inflammation, and spinal deformity were recruited for this study. MethodsUltrasonographic measurement of dorsal neck muscles thickness was performed during a light load 3-second arm-elevation task (shoulder scaption to 120°) in the 2 groups. Associations between pain intensity and patients’ perceived disability and between pain intensity and muscle thickness also were evaluated at the state of rest. Main Outcome MeasurementsThe thickness changes of the dorsal neck muscles throughout the arm elevation were calculated. The pain intensity and the patient’s perceived disability also were measured. ResultsA significant main effect of muscle activity status was revealed for the multifidus and semispinalis cervicis and the splenius capitis, indicating an increase in their thickness throughout the arm elevation (P < .001). The only muscle that showed a difference between groups was the multifidus (P = .007). Direct associations between pain and disability (r = .48, P = .03) and between pain and multifidus thickness (r = −.49, P = .03) also were observed. ConclusionThe deteriorating effect of CNNP on the neck muscles targets the deep layer of the dorsal neck muscles (ie, the multifidus) more than the superficial muscles during light upper-limb tasks. Level of EvidenceIII

Multivariate analysis of ultrasound-recorded dorsal strain sequences: Investigation of dynamic neck extensions in women with chronic whiplash associated disorders.

Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) refers to the multifaceted and chronic burden that is common after a whiplash injury. Tools to assist in the diagnosis of WAD and an increased understanding of neck muscle behaviour are needed. We examined the multilayer dorsal neck muscle behaviour in nine women with chronic WAD versus healthy controls during the entire sequence of a dynamic low-loaded neck extension exercise, which was recorded using real-time ultrasound movies with high frame rates. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares were used to analyse mechanical muscle strain (deformation in elongation and shortening). The WAD group showed more shortening during the neck extension phase in the trapezius muscle and during both the neck extension and the return to neutral phase in the multifidus muscle. For the first time, a novel non-invasive method is presented that is capable of detecting altered dorsal muscle strain in women with WAD during an entire exercise sequence. This method may be a breakthrough for the future diagnosis and treatment of WAD.

Altered mechanical deformation of the trapezius and multifidus muscles registered with ultrasonography in women with chronic whiplash-associated disorders

Background: The deformation and deformation rate of the dorsal neck muscle layers in individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD) is rarely evaluated, and the mechanical behaviour d ...

Short-term effect of neck muscle vibration on postural disturbances in stroke patients.

Balance disorders after stroke have a particularly detrimental influence on recovery of autonomy and walking. The present study is aimed at assessing the effect of proprioceptive stimulation by neck muscle vibration (NMV) on the balance of patients with right hemispheric lesion (RHL) and left hemispheric lesion (LHL). Thirty-one (31) patients (15 RHL and 16 LHL), mean age 61.5years (±10.6), mean delay 3.1 (±1.6) months after one hemispheric stroke were included in this prospective study. The mean position in mediolateral and anteroposterior plane of the CoP (center of pressure) and the surface were evaluated using a force platform at rest and immediately after 10min of vibration on the contralesional dorsal neck muscle. NMV decreases the lateral deviation balance induced by the stroke. Twenty patients (64.5%) experienced a visual illusion of light spot moving toward the side opposite stimulus. These patients showed more improvement by vibration than those without visual illusion. There was an interaction between sensitivity and side of stroke on the effect of NMV. Proprioceptive stimulation by NMV reduces postural asymmetry after stroke. This short-term effect of the vibration is more effective in patients susceptible to visual illusion. This result was consistent with a central effect of NMV on the structures involved in the elaboration of perception of body in space.

Changes in Dorsal Neck Muscle Function in Individuals with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Real-Time Ultrasound Case–Control Study

Impaired neck muscle function leads to disability in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD), but diagnostic tools are lacking. In this study, deformations and deformation rates were investigated in five dorsal neck muscles during 10 arm elevations by ultrasonography with speckle tracking analyses. Forty individuals with chronic WAD (28 women and 12 men, mean age = 37 y) and 40 healthy controls matched for age and sex were included. The WAD group had higher deformation rates in the multifidus muscle during the first (p < 0.04) and 10th (only women, p < 0.01) arm elevations compared with the control group. Linear relationships between the neck muscles for deformation rate (controls: R2 = 0.24–0.82, WAD: R2 = 0.05–0.74) and deformation of the deepest muscles (controls: R2 = 0.61–0.32, WAD: R2 = 0.15–0.01) were stronger for women in the control group versus women with WAD, indicating there is altered interplay between dorsal neck muscles in chronic WAD.

The Subjective Visual Vertical and the Subjective Haptic Vertical Access Different Gravity Estimates

The subjective visual vertical (SVV) and the subjective haptic vertical (SHV) both claim to probe the underlying perception of gravity. However, when the body is roll tilted these two measures evoke different patterns of errors with SVV generally becoming biased towards the body (A-effect, named for its discoverer, Hermann Rudolph Aubert) and SHV remaining accurate or becoming biased away from the body (E-effect, short for Entgegengesetzt-effect, meaning “opposite”, i.e., opposite to the A-effect). We compared the two methods in a series of five experiments and provide evidence that the two measures access two different but related estimates of gravitational vertical. Experiment 1 compared SVV and SHV across three levels of whole-body tilt and found that SVV showed an A-effect at larger tilts while SHV was accurate. Experiment 2 found that tilting either the head or the trunk independently produced an A-effect in SVV while SHV remained accurate when the head was tilted on an upright body but showed an A-effect when the body was tilted below an upright head. Experiment 3 repeated these head/body configurations in the presence of vestibular noise induced by using disruptive galvanic vestibular stimulation (dGVS). dGVS abolished both SVV and SHV A-effects while evoking a massive E-effect in the SHV head tilt condition. Experiments 4 and 5 show that SVV and SHV do not combine in an optimally statistical fashion, but when vibration is applied to the dorsal neck muscles, integration becomes optimal. Overall our results suggest that SVV and SHV access distinct underlying gravity percepts based primarily on head and body position information respectively, consistent with a model proposed by Clemens and colleagues.

Ultrasonographic analysis of dorsal neck muscles thickness changes induced by isometric contraction of shoulder muscles: A comparison between patients with chronic neck pain and healthy controls

BackgroundAltered pattern of muscle activity is commonly seen with chronic neck pain (CNP). However, limited investigations have been done on dorsal neck muscles' activity pattern while performing upper limb tasks in patients with CNP. ObjectivesTo investigate dorsal neck muscles' thickness changes during isometric contraction of shoulder muscles. DesignCase-control study. MethodsThis study investigated dorsal neck muscles' thickness changes during isometric contraction of shoulder muscles in 20 healthy participants (mean age 27 ± 4.37) and 17 patients with CNP (mean age 29 ± 5.50). Effects of isometric force of shoulder muscles on dorsal neck muscles' thickness changes were also evaluated. ResultsSignificant muscle × group interaction was observed for the dorsal neck muscles thickness changes (p = 0.008) indicating different pattern of muscle activity in terms of changes in muscle thickness of two groups. Significant main effects of direction was observed (P = 0.003), with the abduction had the greatest impact on changing the dorsal neck muscles thickness. Conclusionspatients with CNP showed altered pattern of muscle thickness changes in comparison to healthy participants. Isometric abduction of shoulder muscles induced the greatest changes of dorsal neck muscles thickness among other force directions.

Is there altered activity of dorsal neck muscles during isometric contraction of arm muscles in individuals with chronic neck pain?

L. Rahnama1,2, A. Rezasoltani 3, N. Karimi 1, F. Noori-Kochi 4, M. Saberi 5, M. Rahnama6 1 University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Tehran, Iran; 2 Iranian Federation of Sports Medicine, Fars, Marvdasht, Iran; 3 Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Tehran, Iran; 4 Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Research Center, Shiraz, Iran; 5 Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Marvdasht Physiotherapy Clinic, Marvdasht, Iran; 6 Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Shiraz, Iran

Lurasidone Suppresses Rapid Eye Movement Sleep and Improves Sleep Quality in Rats

Patients with psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are reported to suffer from sleep disorders. To investigate the effects of lurasidone on sleep architecture in rats using sleep electroencephalography. Seven adult male rats were used in this study. A pair of electrode wires was implanted in the dura of each rat and electromyograms were recorded from their dorsal neck muscles. Drugs were administered at the start of the lights-on period, and electroencephalograms (EEG)were recorded for 6 hours in individual soundproof boxes. The course of sleep in rats has been classified into 3 stages: WAKE, non-REM (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Total NREM duration, REM duration, and latencies to the initial REM and NREM were calculated. In addition, the number and mean duration of bouts in every 2-hour period were calculated in each stage. EEG power in each of the following frequency bands during NREM sleep was quantified: delta (0.5-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (12-30 Hz) and gamma (30-80 Hz). Lurasidone shortened REM sleep duration and prolonged the mean duration of one bout in WAKE and NREM sleep. Quantitative frequency analyses during NREM sleep revealed that lurasidone increases slow waves and decreases fast waves. The serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor partial agonist, tandospirone, and selective serotonin 5-HT 7 receptor antagonist, SB-258741, also exhibited REM-inhibitory effects similar to those of lurasidone. These results suggest that lurasidone ameliorates sleep disorders associated with psychosis through, at least partly, serotonin 5-HT 1A and serotonin 5-HT 7 receptors.

Preliminary evaluation of dorsal muscle activity during resisted cervical extension in patients with longstanding pain and disability following anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery

ObjectivesTo compare mechanical activity (deformation and deformation rate) of the dorsal neck muscles between individuals with longstanding symptoms after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) surgery and healthy controls. DesignPreliminary cross-sectional study. SettingNeurosurgery clinic. ParticipantsTen individuals {mean age 60 [standard deviation (SD) 7.1]} who had undergone ACDF surgery 10 to 13 years previously and 10 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Main outcomesMechanical activity of the different layers of dorsal neck muscles, measured at the C4 segment using ultrasonography (speckle tracking analysis) during a standardised, resisted cervical extension task. ResultsA significant group×muscle interaction was found for muscle deformation (P<0.03) but not for deformation rate (P>0.79). The ACDF group showed significantly less deformation of the semispinalis capitis muscle during the extension task compared with the control group [mean 3.12 (SD 2.06) and 6.64 (SD 4.17), respectively; mean difference 3.34 (95% confidence interval −0.54 to 7.21)]. ConclusionsAs the semispinalis capitis muscle is a powerful neck extensor, the finding of altered activation following ACDF surgery lends support to the inclusion of exercise to train neck muscle performance in the management of these patients.

SP0029 Phenotyping Neck Pain in Order to Personnalize the Treatment

The first step of the diagnosis is to eliminate a specific disease: Infections, neoplastic conditions (bone and spinal cord) rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthropathy, polymyalgia rheumatica, crystal depositions, ... All these diseases...

Longitudinal Changes in Ventral and Dorsal Neck Muscle Layers During Loading Against Gravity in Healthy Volunteers Using Speckle Tracking

ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe and compare the longitudinal mechanical activity, deformation, and deformation rate of the different layers of dorsal and ventral neck muscles in healthy volunteers during head lifts against gravity. MethodsThe cross-sectional study included 19 healthy volunteers (mean age, 28 years; SD, 7 years). Ultrasound with speckle-tracking analysis was used to investigate longitudinal mechanical activation, deformation, and deformation rate of dorsal and ventral neck muscles in real time during a head lift. Significance levels were set as P = .025 or P = .0125, depending on the number of comparisons. ResultsThe dorsal neck muscles did not significantly differ in deformation (P > .04); however, the multifidus had a higher deformation rate than all other dorsal muscles (P < .003). The sternocleidomastoid had significantly higher deformation than the longus capitis (P = .005) and colli (P = .001) but a lower deformation rate than the longus colli (P = .02). ConclusionThe sternocleidomastoid deformed more than the deeper muscles, but it did significantly slower than the longus colli. Among the dorsal muscles, the deepest (the multifidus) had the highest deformation rate.

Evaluation of Physical Function in Individuals 11 to 14 Years After Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery—A Comparison Between Patients and Healthy Reference Samples and Between 2 Surgical Techniques

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate neck-related physical function in individuals 11 to 14 years after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) surgery for degenerative cervical disk disease and to compare the long-term outcome of 2 surgical techniques, including the Cloward procedure and cervical intervertebral fusion cage. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 51 individuals, 11 years or more after ACDF, underwent testing of cervical active range of motion, hand-grip strength, static and dynamic balance, neck muscle endurance, and completed pain ratings. The participants' values were compared with values of age- and sex-matched healthy individuals to evaluate impairments. Correlations between different test scores and pain were performed. Group differences were analyzed between the 2 surgical techniques. ResultsSixty-five percent and 82% exhibited impairment in ventral and dorsal neck muscle endurance, respectively. Impairment rates of 18% to 39% for cervical active range of motion, 27% to 43% for hand-grip strength, 37% for standing balance, and 35% for dynamic balance were recorded. Twenty-nine percent of the participants had impairment (>30 mm visual analog scale) in pain. There were no significant differences in physical function between the 2 surgical treatment groups (Cloward procedure or cervical intervertebral fusion cage) (P = .10-.92). ConclusionsIn those studied, a large percentage of patients who had anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery have impairments in neck-related physical function when compared 11 to 14 years after surgery with age- and sex-matched healthy reference individuals. Neck-specific function, but not balance, was statistically correlated to pain. Neck muscle endurance was most affected, and balance impairments were also present in one-third of the individuals. There were no differences in long-term physical function between the 2 surgical techniques.

Modulation of neck muscle activity induced by intra-oral stimulation in humans

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of painful electrical stimuli applied to intra-oral tissues around the teeth on the neck muscle activity in healthy humans. MethodsElectromyographic (EMG) responses of the dorsal neck muscles evoked by intra-oral electrical stimulation were recorded before and after local anesthesia to the stimulus site in 17 healthy volunteers. ResultsInhibition of dorsal neck muscle EMG activities on average 80% compared to baseline level was observed with a latency around 50ms after the electrical stimulation before anesthesia, and the EMG activity inhibition decreased after anesthesia of the intra-oral stimulus site. The perceived intensity of the electrical stimuli as scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS) was 6.1±0.4cm before anesthesia and 1.5±0.2cm after anesthesia. ConclusionIntra-oral stimulation can inhibit neck muscle activity. This modulation might be attributed mainly to nociceptive afferent nerves however, non-nociceptive fibers could also be responsible. SignificanceIntra-oral information including nociceptive activity can inhibit neck muscle activity. From a clinical viewpoint, the present findings demonstrate the neural connectivity between the trigeminal region and the cervical region raising the possibility that orofacial pain conditions could influence head, neck and shoulder activity.

Endurance and fatigue characteristics in the neck muscles during sub-maximal isometric test in patients with cervical radiculopathy

The aim of the study was to compare myoelectric manifestation in neck muscle endurance and fatigue characteristics during sub-maximal isometric endurance test in patients with cervical radiculopathy and asymptomatic subjects. An additional aim was to explore associations between primary neck muscle endurance, myoelectric fatigability, and self-rated levels of fatigue, pain and subjective health measurements in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Muscle fatigue in the ventral and dorsal neck muscles was assessed in patients with cervical radiculopathy and in an asymptomatic group during an isometric neck muscle endurance test in prone and supine. 46 patients and 34 asymptomatic subjects participated. Surface electromyography signals were recorded from the sternocleidomastoid, cervical paraspinal muscles and upper and middle trapezius bilaterally during the endurance test. Subjective health measurements were assessed with questionnaires. The results showed altered neck muscle endurance in several of the muscles investigated with greater negative median frequency slope, greater variability, side imbalance, lower endurance time and higher experience of fatigue among the cervical radiculopathy patients compared with healthy subjects. Endurance times were significantly lower in both prone and in supine positions between the patients compared to asymptomatic subjects. During the neck muscle endurance test, fatigues in the upper trapezius muscles during the prone test and in the sternocleidomastoid muscles during the supine test were of more importance than self-perceived pain, fatigue, disability and kinesiophobia in predicting neck muscle endurance (NME). NME testing in the primary neck muscles seems to be an important factor to take into consideration in rehabilitation.

Muscle Activity Influence on the Kinematics of the Cervical Spine in Frontal Tests

Objective: The question of muscle activity influence on the cervical spine kinematics during rear-end and frontal crash events has been discussed. Less data are available concerning frontal collisions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the ventral and dorsal neck muscles on the cervical spine kinematics during simulated frontal sled collisions. Methods: A frontal collision with a velocity change (delta V) of 10.2 km/h was simulated in a sled test with 10 healthy subjects (7 female; 3 male). A high-speed camera and accelerometers recorded the motion and acceleration data. The activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscles was recorded with surface electrodes. To avoid cross-talk, an intramuscular recording of the semispinalis capitis muscles was performed with fine-wire electrodes. Results: The sequence of both muscle activities was reproducible in all subjects. The maximal force of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was observed after a median of 152 ms, with 0 defining the time of the trigger signal. With earlier onset of muscle force, maximal dorsal horizontal acceleration of the head (r = −0.600) was reached later and the ventral translation (r = −0.733) and flexion movement (r = −0.755) set in earlier. The maximal force of the semispinalis capitis muscle was observed after a median of 160 ms. If the duration of muscle force was longer, the maximal head flexion (r = 0.685) and the maximal ventral head translation (r = 0.738) were reached later. Conclusions: The sternocleidomastoid muscle force is mainly associated with the horizontal head acceleration and influences the onset of the flexion and translation motion. To summarize, these temporal correlations allow the conclusion that the semispinalis capitis muscle force is mainly associated with the angular head acceleration and influences the duration of the flexion and translation motion.

Does posture of the cervical spine influence dorsal neck muscle activity when lifting?

Previous studies have shown that postural orientations of the neck, such as flexed or forward head postures, are associated with heightened activity of the dorsal neck muscles. While these studies describe the impact of variations in neck posture alone, there is scant literature regarding the effect of neck posture on muscle activity when combined with upper limb activities such as lifting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different neck postures on the activity of the different layers of the dorsal neck muscles during a lifting task. Ultrasound measurements of dorsal neck muscle deformation were compared over two time points (rest, during lift) during a lifting task performed in three different neck postural conditions (neutral, flexed and forward head posture) in 21 healthy subjects. Data were analysed by post-process speckle tracking analysis. Results demonstrated significantly greater muscle deformation induced by flexed and forward head postures, compared to the neutral posture, for all dorsal neck muscles at rest (p<0.05). Significant condition by time interactions associated with the lift was observed for four out of the five dorsal muscles (p<0.02). These findings demonstrate that posture of the cervical spine influenced the level of muscle deformation not only at rest, but also when lifting. The findings of the study suggest that neck posture should be considered during the evaluation or design of lifting activities as it may contribute to excessive demands on dorsal neck muscles with potential detrimental consequences.

Cervical Muscle Activity During Loaded Arm Lifts in Patients 10 Years Postsurgery for Cervical Disc Disease

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical activity of the neck muscles during loaded arm lifting tasks in individuals with long-standing disability after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) with that of healthy controls. MethodsTen individuals (mean age, 60 years; SD, 7.1) who underwent ACDF (10-13 years previously) for cervical disc disease and 10 healthy age- and sex-matched controls participated in the study. Ultrasonography was used to investigate the degree of deformation and deformation rate of ventral and dorsal neck muscles at the C4 segmental level during a single (1× arm flexion to 120°) and repeated (10× arm flexion to 90°) loaded arm elevation condition. ResultsThe ACDF group showed greater deformation and deformation rate of the longus capitis (P = .02) and deformation rate of the sternocleidomastoid (P = .04) during the 120° arm lift. For repeated 90° arm lift, there was a significant group effect with higher deformation rate values observed in the longus capitis (P = .005-.01) and multifidus (P = .03) muscles in the ACDF group. Muscle behavior did not change the repeated arm lifts (no group × time interactions) for either the ventral or the dorsal muscles. ConclusionsFor study participants, greater muscle mechanical activity levels were observed in the ventral and multifidus muscles of patients with persistent symptoms after ACDF. These differences may indicate altered motor strategy in this patient group when performing the upper limb task and may need to be considered when prescribing exercise for postsurgical rehabilitation.

Is there a difference in the pattern of muscle activity when performing neck exercises with a guild board versus a pulley?

Guild boards and pulleys are apparatus commonly used to train cervical muscle function for their purported benefit in facilitating activity of the deeper muscle layers, although this effect has not been substantiated. The objective of this study was to compare the activity of the different layers of cervical muscles when performing exercise with these 2 types of apparatus. A total of 19 healthy persons (mean age 28 years, (standard deviation 7 years). Ultrasound measurements of muscle deformation and deformation rate were recorded from the dorsal and ventral neck muscle layers during extension and flexion exercises. Pulley exercises were performed in the upright sitting position against a standardized resistance (men 2 kg, women 1 kg) and guild board exercises at an angle of 45º. The dorsal muscles generally showed greater levels of deformation and deformation rate during exercise with the guild board compared with the pulley system (p < 0.05), but with no significant differences in relative activity between the deep and superficial muscle layers (condition × muscle interaction (p > 0.05)). No differences were observed for the ventral muscles between exercise methods (p > 0.05). While both exercise methods appear to train cervical muscle function, neither appear to be more selective in facilitating deep cervical muscle activity, probably as they involve very similar cervical kinematics.