Flexor Endurance Test Research Articles

Exploring the role of cervical spine endurance as a predictor of concussion risk and recovery following sports related concussion

BackgroundConcussions have become a significant public health concern with rising incidence rates. Concussions have been shown to occur concurrently with neck injuries, such as whiplash-associated-disorder, therefore, understanding the role of the neck in concussions is important. ObjectivesTo determine if there is a relationship between cervical muscle endurance and either concussion incidence, or concussion recovery in university athletes. Specifically, the primary aim was to investigate a relationship between pre-season deep neck flexor endurance test (DNFET) time in those who sustained an in-season injury versus those who did not. The secondary aim is to determine correlation in DNFET times and concussion recovery. DesignLongitudinal observational study. MethodsPre-season DNFET was performed on university athletes. In the event of a concussion, cervical endurance and neuromuscular adaptation was re-assessed with the DNFET. Rehabilitative exercises were prescribed, as required, and DNFET was measured at subsequent treatments. ResultsThere was no significant difference between pre-season DNFET times and concussion incidence (p = 0.55). However, there was a moderate correlation between DNFET times and concussion recovery (R = 0.47, p = 0.001) whereby DNFET times improved predictively throughout rehabilitation. ConclusionsWhile no statistically significant relationship was found between DNFET and concussion incidence, a significant clinical relationship was present with recovery. The validity of the DNFET test as a means for assessing risk or measuring recovery requires additional research.

Effect of Temporomandibular Joint Mobilization on Neck Pain and Function in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain

Background. Neck pain is a common problem, and it includes 30% of 25–29 year olds. The percentage of people over 45 years of age has risen to 50% (Knight and Draper, 2012). Long-term muscle imbalance disrupts body biomechanics. Due to long-lasting pain, the quality of work may decrease, rest can get worse, and mood may change. Purpose. To determine the effect of temporomandibular joint mobilization for neck pain and function in patients who suffer chronic non-specifc neck pain. Methods. The study involved six people with non-specifc chronic neck pain, who were divided into two groups: exercises, and the second group – exercises and mobilization of temporomandibular joint. At the beginning and end of the study, we performed the following tests: deep neck flexor endurance test, visual analogue scale (VAS), goniometry, the amplitude of the temporomandibular joint. Results. In the group of exercises, the pain score after treatment decreased (before – 67 ± 28, after – 14 ± 16.5) the strength and endurance of the deep neck flexor muscle improved (before – 13.7 ± 2.5 s, after – 28.7 ± 6.4 s). The amplitude of all neck movements was improved (p < 0.05), comparing them before and after physiotherapy. The amplitude of the temporomandibular joint improved the movement characteristics: depression, lateral excursions to left and right, protrusion (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Comparing the results after applying different methods of physiotherapy, intensity of pain and neck function parameters did not show significant differences.Keywords: temporomandibular joint, nonspecifc neck pain, mobilization.

Posture, muscle endurance and ROM in individuals with and without neck pain

Abstract Introduction: Factors such as postural changes, reduced neck muscle endurance and reduced range of motion (ROM) are common characteristics attributed to people with neck pain. Objective: (a) Identify differences in postural, muscular endurance and ROM characteristics between individuals with and without neck pain and (b) relate the presence and intensity of neck pain with the characteristics of static posture, muscular endurance and cervical ROM. Method: A cross-sectional study with 60 subjects equally divided into two groups with respect to the presence of neck pain carrying out the following evaluations: (1) static postural evaluation by digital photogrammetry; (2) the neck flexor endurance test; and (3) evaluation of cervical ROM using a fleximeter. The data were analyzed with independent t-tests, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Spearman and Tau of Kendall correlation tests (α < 0.05). Results: There were no statistical differences between individuals with and without neck pain regarding the postural, muscle endurance and cervical ROM characteristics. No statistically significant correlations were found between pain and posture, muscle endurance and cervical ROM. Conclusion: Individuals with neck pain do not appear to present differences in their postural, neck flexor muscle endurance or cervical ROM characteristics when compared to individuals without neck pain, and neck pain appears to be unrelated to these variables.

Impact of trunk muscle endurance on static balance and gender difference among physiotherapy students in Chennai- A Double blinded study

Introduction and Aim: Trunk muscle fatigue contributes to spinal instability over strenuous and prolonged physical tasks and therefore may lead to a injury. However from a performance perspective, the relation between endurance efficient core muscle and optimal balance control has not been well known. The muscles of the core help in controlling the movements transfer of energy, shifting the body weight and distributing the stress of weight bearing areas. Hence core muscle training has a significant role in spinal stability. The aim was to analyse the relationship between the trunk muscle endurance and static balance and also the relationship between trunk muscle endurance and static balance among male and female population. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, 400 subjects were included based on the inclusion criteria. In which 200 male and 200 female students inhabitant of faculty of physiotherapy in Dr. MGR Educational and research institute took part voluntarily in the study for the duration of 8 months. The single leg stance test, Sorensen test, trunk flexor endurance test, side bridge exercise test are used as outcome measures. Results: In females, for the extensor and lateral endurance, the correlation significance is found to be p?0.05 with respect to static balance. But in males the positive correlation is found to be only between the extensor and lateral endurance with static balance. On comparing the results of males and female subjects on the endurance and static balance test, highly significant difference (p?0.001) is found between trunk flexor, trunk lateral endurance and static balance. Conclusion: This study proves that the trunk extensor and lateral endurance associated with the static balance in males. In females, the trunk muscle endurance (flexor, extensor and lateral endurance) predicts the static balance. Among the three trunk muscle endurance, the trunk extensor highly predicts the static balance than others in both the genders.

Do EMS College Students Fit Enough for The Future Occupational?

Emergency responders should be physically fit to perform strenuous duties perfectly and safely. The purpose of the present study was to assess student's occupational physical fitness in Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services (PSAC-EMS) in line with the international physical fitness guidelines for American Council on Exercise (ACE). Seventy-three EMS students randomly selected. Mean age and BMI were (20.5+1.2) and (26.6+6.3) respectively. Participants asked to perform three suggested physical fitness for (ACE). We used tests protocol and administrations to calculate percentages for student group comparing it with the test-terminations criteria for (ACE). One sample t-test used to assess the differences between the obtained scores versus the reference scores. Results clearly showed a moderate to a strong correlation between most of the variables especially trunk flexor endurance test and trunk extensor endurance test (r =0.69, P < 0.01). In addition, there are a strong correlation between trunk lateral endurance (left side) and trunk lateral endurance (right side) tests (r =0.81, P < 0.01). In terms of ACE guidelines for EMS practitioners, results clearly showed that subjects of this study were not significant physically fit. This research concludes that students in (PSAC-EMS) need special exercise program focus primarily on the EMS responder's ability to fulfill their occupational requirements and to fulfill the mission of the (PSAC-EMS).

COMPARISON OF CORE STABILITY AND BALANCE IN ATHLETES WITH AND WITHOUT SHOULDER INJURIES

Relationships between core stability and lower extremity injuries have been described in the literature; however, evidence of the relationship between upper extremity injuries and core stability and balance is limited. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical measures of core stability and balance between athletes with and without non-traumatic shoulder injuries. Cross sectional. Eighty athletes (54 males, age: 21.2 + 3.3 years) participated in this study. Forty athletes with a current shoulder injury were matched to healthy athletes by age, gender, BMI, and sport. Athletes completed clinical core stability tests including flexor and extensor endurance tests, double leg lower test (°) and balance tests including single leg stance under eyes open and eyes closed conditions, and the Y-balance test. MANOVAs were used to assess group differences. No statistically significant differences existed between athletes with and without shoulder injuries for clinical tests of core stability, F(1,78)=0.97, p=0.41; η2 = 0.04. No statistically significant differences existed between injured athletes with and without shoulder injuries for static and dynamic balance measures, F(1,78)=0.86, p=0.53; η2 = 0.07. Although core stability is widely incorporated in rehabilitation of athletes with shoulder injuries, performance on these clinical tests did not differ in the group of athletes assessed in this study. 3.

Individual Responses to an 8-Week Neuromuscular Training Intervention in Trained Pre-Pubescent Female Artistic Gymnasts.

This study examined individual responses in leg stiffness, reactive strength index (RSI), movement proficiency (deep overhead squat and in-line lunge), and trunk muscular endurance (flexor and extensor tests) in young female gymnasts following an 8-week neuromuscular training intervention. Thirty-four pre-peak height velocity (PHV) female gymnasts were divided into either an experimental group (EXP n = 17) or control group (CON n = 17). The EXP replaced their normal gymnastics physical preparation with a neuromuscular training program, while the CON continued with their habitual gymnastics program. Chi square analysis showed that the EXP resulted in significantly more positive responders compared to CON for measures of leg stiffness (41% versus 12% responded positively), extensor muscular endurance, (76% versus 29%), and competency in the deep overhead squat, (76% versus 29%) and in-line lunge (left lead leg) (65% versus 18%). Conversely, the number of positive responders for RSI (53% versus 61%), the flexor endurance test (88% versus 53%), and the right in-line lunge (47% versus 35%) were not significantly different between groups. These findings suggest that most young gymnasts responded positively to neuromuscular training from the perspective of improving movement proficiency and trunk endurance; however, changes in leg stiffness and RSI were more variable and may require higher intensities to realise further adaptations.

Changes in Measures of Cervical Spine Function, Vestibulo-ocular Reflex, Dynamic Balance, and Divided Attention Following Sport-Related Concussion in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players

Concussion is a commonly occurring injury. The extent to which the cervical spine, vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), dynamic balance, and divided attention are affected following concussion is not well understood. To evaluate acute changes in measures of (1) cervical spine function, (2) VOR function, (3) dynamic balance, and (4) tasks of divided attention in elite youth ice hockey players following a sport-related concussion. In this prospective cohort study, elite 13- to 17-year-old ice hockey players completed cervical spine measures (cervical flexor endurance test, head perturbation test, anterolateral strength, cervical flexion rotation test, joint position error), VOR function tests (head thrust test, dynamic visual acuity [clinical and computerized]), dynamic balance tests (Functional Gait Assessment), and divided-attention tasks (walking-while-talking test) both in the preseason and following concussion. At least 1 test was completed by 69 of 97 (71%) players (a maximum of 55 for any 1 test) at both preseason and immediately following concussion (median, 4 days post concussion). After Bonferroni corrections (α = .00625), using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, cervical spine measures were significantly worse following concussion compared to baseline (cervical flexor endurance test: z = -5.20, P<.001; anterolateral neck strength: zleft = -5.36, P<.001 and zright = -5.45, P<.001; and head perturbation test: z = -4.36, P<.001). Time taken to complete a complex task of divided attention relative to normal walking speed was faster (improved) compared to the preseason (z = -2.59, P<.01). There was no change in VOR or dynamic balance following concussion. Measures of cervical spine function and divided attention were altered following concussion. However, tests of VOR and dynamic balance were not significantly different from baseline. Future research to evaluate the mechanism underlying these changes is warranted. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(12):974-981. Epub 27 Jul 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.8258.

Determination of the relationship between core endurance and isokinetic muscle strength of elite athletes

Muscle strength and core endurance are both factors contributing to athletes’ performance and prevalence of injuries. There are no studies indicating the relationship between muscle strength around the shoulder and knee joints and core endurance. The aim of our study is to determine the relationship between core endurance and isokinetic muscle strength of knees and shoulders of elite athletes. Seventy-one elite athletes (weight lifting, boxing, taekwondo, biathlon, and ice skating) (age, 18.13±2.9 years) were included in the study. Isokinetic muscle strength of shoulder internal-external rotation and knee flexion-extension were determined by using an Isomed 2000 device. Core endurance of athletes was assessed using the Mcgill Core Endurance Tests. There was a relationship between the shoulder internal rotation and external rotation peak torque/body weight (PT/W) and all endurance tests except extension endurance tests. There was also a relationship between knee flexion PT/W and all core endurance tests. While there was a relationship between knee extension PT/W and extension endurance and the lateral bridge test, this relationship was not found with the flexor endurance test. These results indicate that the upper and lower extremity muscle strength and core endurance of athletes are related with each other and must be evaluated and trained as a whole with each other.

Comparison of Trunk Muscle Endurance between Lumbar Rotation with Flexion Syndrome and Rotation with Extension Syndrome

Background Movement system impairment (MSI) is designated through elicited or increased symptoms in the specific direction of alignment, extremities, or spinal movement. According to the classification of MSI in non-specific chronic back pain (NCLBP), rotation with extension (RE) syndrome is the most common cause of symptoms, while rotation with flexion (RF) syndrome reveals flexible motion and decreased symptoms in the opposite direction of the RE subgroup. Purpose The purpose of the present study was to compare trunk endurance tests between subgroups based on movement system impairment (MSI). Study design Cross-over design. Methods Two subgroups according to the classification of MSI in 30 patients with NCLBP were compared in three trunk endurance tests: flexor, lateral flexor and extensor endurance. Results The rotation with extension (RE) group had a longer mean hold time during the extensor endurance test relative to the flexor endurance test (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.01), while the rotation with flexion (RF) group performed significantly better in the flexor endurance test than they performed in the extensor endurance test (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.01). The ratio of endurance times between the flexor and extensor endurance tests was also statistically significant between the two groups (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.001). Conclusions The maintenance times of trunk muscle endurance in a specific- direction was related to the subgroups by MSI classification, and it could provide information regarding the assessment and program trunk endurance of a specific-direction in the homogeneous group.

Musicians injuries: Upper quarter motor control deficits in musicians with prolonged symptoms - A case-control study

Study DesignCase-control study. BackgroundA large number of student and professional musicians are affected by long term playing related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMSDs) during their career, with prevalence rates above 80%. ObjectiveTo investigate if there were differences between musicians with and without prolonged symptoms of upper quarter PRMSDs in the presence of: (1) scapular dyskinesis; (2) cervical motor control and endurance deficits. MethodsSeventy-two musicians (24 males; 48 females) were matched based on sex, type of instrument and average hours played per week and assigned to one of two groups: A symptomatic group (mean age 23.3 ± 8.2 years) with history of prolonged PRMSDs (constant symptoms lasting more than one week) during the past year; and a control group (mean age 25 ± 10.5 years) with no history of PRMSDs lasting more than one week. Musicians completed a questionnaire and underwent clinical testing for the presence of scapular dyskinesis and cervical motor control and endurance deficits using the following tests: (1) cervical flexor endurance test; (2) scapular dyskinesis test; and (3) craniocervical flexion test. Assessor blinding as to group assignment was ensured. ResultsParticipants in the symptomatic group presented with a statistically significant higher prevalence of positive scapular dyskinesis (P < .0001; OR = 7.8) and lower scores for the craniocervical flexion test (P < .0001). ConclusionMusicians with prolonged symptoms of PRMSDs presented with higher prevalence of scapular and cervical motor control deficits detected by standard clinical tests when compared to the control group. Level of EvidenceTherapy, level 4. ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT02267395.

Comparison of Core Muscles Endurance in Sited Occupied Staff and Non-sited Occupied Staff of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Abstract Objective Core muscle dysfunction might serve as a risk factor for future musculoskeletal dysfunctions considering the high percentages of adults employed in mainly sedentary occupations in Iran, there is a need to clarify the strength of evidence on the potentially deleterious impact of prolonged sitting at work on the biomechanics of core/trunk muscles. This study aims to evaluate trunk/core muscle endurance in employees of seated and non-seated jobs in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Method A total number of 100 employees of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) were studied in 2 groups, seated jobs (n=50) and non-seated jobs (n=50). Seated jobs (office employees) defined as the jobs’ nature requiring the employees to sit more than half of their work time in a day, whereas non-seated jobs were those requiring less than half a workday to sit. Trunk endurance time measured by the 4 different stabilization tests including McGill’s trunk flexor endurance test, Sorenson’s trunk extensor endurance test and right and left trunk lateral flexor endurance test (Side-Bridge test). Results Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 21 (SPSS, Chicago, IL) Independent t test was used individuals in non-seated group had a statistically significant higher trunk endurance time for all 4 static tests (all P-values&lt;0.001). Conclusion Prolonged occupational sitting is associated with reduced core muscle endurance. It may cause relationship between weakened core/trunk muscles and development of specific occupational musculoskeletal dysfunctions such as low back pain.

Relationship Between Proprioception and Endurance Functionality of the Cervical Flexor Muscles in Chronic Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Participants

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the relationship between flexion endurance capacity and joint position error in participants with or without chronic neck pain (CNP). MethodsSixty-one CNP and 60 asymptomatic volunteers participated in this cross-sectional, case-control, and correlational analysis study. The measured variables included absolute and constant joint repositioning errors in the sagittal and horizontal directions, clinical flexor endurance test score, pain intensity, and neck disability index. ResultsThe groups did not statistically differ in flexion endurance (P > .05). The CNP group had a smaller absolute error on the right (P < .01) and left (P = .01) rotation and an overshooting error pattern in the flexion direction (P < .05). But the asymptomatic group did not exhibit any over-/undershooting pattern tendency (P > .05). Although flexion endurance was not correlated with any of the joint repositioning error components in either group, pain and disability scores were significantly correlated with left rotation absolute error (r = –0.34 and ρ = –0.37, respectively). ConclusionThe clinical cervical flexor endurance test, ignoring the relative contribution of the deep and superficial groups of muscles, may not efficiently characterize CNP patients.

The Relevance of Proprioception to Chronic Neck Pain: A Correlational Analysis of Flexor Muscle Size and Endurance, Clinical Neck Pain Characteristics, and Proprioception.

Impairment in the cervical proprioception and deep flexor muscle function and morphology have been regarded to be associated with chronic neck pain (CNP). The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between proprioception and flexor endurance capacity and size and clinical CNP characteristics. This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Rehabilitation hospital laboratory. Sixty subjects with or without CNP participated in the study. Joint position error, clinical deep flexor endurance test score, longus colli/capitis and sternocleidomastoid muscle size, pain intensity, neck pain-related disability, and fear of movement were assessed. Multivariate analysis of variance and Pearson correlation tests were used to compare the groups and quantify the strength of the associations among variables, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test the predictive value of the dependent variables for the development of neck pain. CNP patients showed lower flexor endurance (P = 0.01) and smaller longus colli size (P < 0.01). The joint position error was not statistically different between the groups. Longus colli size was correlated with local flexor endurance in both CNP (P = 0.01) and control (P = 0.04) groups. Among clinical CNP characteristics, kinesiophobia showed fair correlation with joint position error (r = 0.39, P = 0.03). Left rotation error and local flexor endurance were significant predictors of CNP development (β = 1.22, P = 0.02, and β = 0.97, P = 0.02, respectively). The results indicated that cervical proprioception was associated neither with deep flexor muscle structure/function nor with clinical CNP characteristics. Left rotation error and local flexor endurance were found relevant to neck pain development.

Relationship between scapular muscle and core endurance in healthy subjects.

Scapular muscle endurance and core endurance reportedly influence shoulder injury risk. The exact relationship between scapular muscle endurance and core endurance, and how they impact one another in the healthy subjects remain unclear. To investigate the relationship between scapular muscle endurance and core endurance in healthy subjects. Fifty healthy volunteers (23 males, 27 females; mean age 20.42 ± 1.04 years) were participated in this study. Endurance of the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles was assessed using the scapular muscle endurance test. Sorensen test (endurance of trunk extensor muscles), trunk flexor endurance test, and side bridge test (endurance of lateral core muscles) were conducted to assess the core endurance. Pearson's product moment correlations examined relationships between scapular muscle endurance and each of the core endurance tests scores. Scapular muscle endurance test scores showed a positive correlation with the side bridge test scores (r = 0.414; p = 0.003). No significant correlation was found between scapular muscle endurance test scores and the other core endurance tests scores (p > 0.05). There appears to be a link between the scapular muscle endurance and lateral core muscles in healthy subjects; however, more research is needed to provide a definitive answer on the nature of this relationship. Further studies involving patients with shoulder pathology are warranted.

Effects of a Worksite Supervised Adapted Physical Activity Program on Trunk Muscle Endurance, Flexibility, and Pain Sensitivity Among Vineyard Workers

ABSTRACT Objectives: In viticulture, the prevalence of low back pain is particularly high among vineyard workers exposed to sustained and awkward postures. One promising setting for low back pain prevention resides in the implementation of workplace physical activity. Methods: This nonrandomized pilot study aims at evaluating the effects of a worksite supervised adapted physical activity program among 17 vineyard workers volunteered to enter either an intervention group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 7).The intervention group followed a physical activity program for 8 weeks involving (1) 15 minutes of warm-up every working day and (2) two weekly 1-hour adapted physical activity sessions targeting trunk muscle endurance and flexibility. The control group was advised to continue normal physical activity. Evaluations were carried out at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Physical capacity was assessed using flexibility tests for the trunk, along with trunk muscle flexor and extensor endurance tests. Finally, pain sensitivity was evaluated by assessing pressure pain thresholds over 14 anatomical locations in the low back region. Results: For the intervention group, the endurance of the trunk extensor and flexor significantly increased from baseline to week 8 as well as the pressure pain thresholds. No change was observed for the control group over the same period. Conclusions: These encouraging results in combination with the high adherence rate set interesting foundations for the promotion of worksite supervised adapted physical activity and, most likely, offer a new promising approach to prevent low back pain among vineyard workers.

Changes in measures of cervical, vestibular, dynamic balance and tasks of divided attention following sport-related concussions in elite youth ice hockey players

ObjectiveTo evaluate acute changes in measures of cervical spine, vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function, dynamic balance and tasks of divided attention in elite youth ice hockey players following a sport-related concussion.Study DesignProspective Case seriesSettingSport Medicine Centre, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaParticipantsFive hundred and fifty-nine (474 males) elite (AA and AAA) Bantam (13-14 years) and Midget (15-17 years) youth ice hockey players.Outcome measuresClinical measurements including cervical flexor endurance test (CFE), head perturbation test, head thrust test, dynamic visual acuity (DVA) (clinical and computerised), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and Walking While Talking (WWTT) test at baseline and acutely following concussion.Main resultsSixty-nine of 97 (71%) players completed both baseline and acute post concussion measures for their first concussion and were included in these analyses. Following concussion, neck pain, headache and dizziness increased in 42%, 58% and 40% of participants respectively. After Bonferroni corrections (α=0.00625), using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, cervical spine measures were significantly worse following concussion compared to baseline [cervical flexor endurance test (z=−5.195, p&lt;0.001) and head perturbation test (z=−4.631, p&lt;0.001)]. Time to complete a complex task of divided attention (WWTT) relative to their normal walking speed was longer than baseline (z=−2.762, p=0.0057). There was no change in DVA or FGA following concussion.ConclusionsMeasures of cervical spine function and tasks of divided attention were worse following concussion. However, tests of VOR and dynamic balance were not significantly different than at baseline. Future research to evaluate the mechanism underlying these changes is warranted.Competing interestsNone.

Deep Neck Flexor Endurance in the Adolescent and Young Adult: Normative Data and Associated Attributes

BackgroundDeep neck flexor (DNF) muscles stabilize the neck and contribute to head acceleration control. The function of DNF in cervical spine dynamic stabilization has not been examined in athletes of any age group, including adolescents. This investigation was necessary prior to studying the DNF muscles’ role in cervical spine injury patterns. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were (1) to determine average Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test (DNFET) time scores in high school−aged and university-aged subjects (aged 14-22 years); and (2) to establish the relationship between gender and age for adolescent DNFET time scores. DesignCross-sectional design. SettingPublic high school and private university. ParticipantsA total of 81 (40 male, 41 female) healthy high school and collegiate athletes. InterventionDNFET time scores (in seconds) were collected and means values were calculated. Interrater reliability was established using the first 15 university-aged subjects enrolled in the study. Main OutcomesMean DNFET time (seconds) scores. ResultsThe DNF muscle endurance interrater reliability coefficient of reproducibility for 4 allied health clinicians was intraclass correlation coefficient (2,4) 0.712 (confidence interval, 0.24-0.85). The mean (± standard deviation) DNFET time score for females was 31.86 (±8.53) seconds versus 35.57 (±10.43) seconds for males. The DNFET performance demonstrated a significant but fair correlation with age (r = 0.401, P = .0001). No significant performance differences were found between male and female subjects in the 14- to 17-year-old group (U = 187.0, P = .285), the 18- to 22-year-old group (U = 145.0, P = .215), or the total male versus female subject groups (U = 653.0, P = .083). ConclusionOur study establishes a normative data set available for the DNFET in the adolescent population. The fair correlation between DNFET time scores and age is consistent with other studies. These findings serve as a basis for clinician testing, objectifying, and monitoring DNF dysfunction in an adolescent athletic population. Level of EvidenceII

Overweight, a culprit affecting back endurance: A cross sectional study

Background: Studies reveal that reduced muscle endurance has a major impact, leading to decrease in quality of life. Hence early diagnosis and prognosis is essential for leading healthy life. Lack of muscle endurance has shown to be related to decreased proprioceptive awareness and decreased productivity in the workplace and daily activity. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate isometric endurance time of healthy normal population for trunk extensors and flexors. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 100 participants were randomly recruited by convenient sampling and trunk muscle endurance was assessed using trunk flexor endurance test and Sorensen's test. Results: The results of the study revealed-mean back endurance for extensor muscles was 47.66secs and 52.82secs for males and females respectively. Similarly, for trunk endurance for trunk flexors was 52.82 secs and 112.86 secs for males and females respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that trunk muscle endurance for females was more as compared to males and also, with increase in BMI there is decrease in trunk muscle endurance. KEYWORDS: Trunk endurance; BMI; Sorensen's test; Trunk.

Neck Flexor and Extensor Muscle Endurance in Subclinical Neck Pain: Intrarater Reliability, Standard Error of Measurement, Minimal Detectable Change, and Comparison With Asymptomatic Participants in a University Student Population

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to assess intrarater reliability and to calculate the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) for deep neck flexor and neck extensor muscle endurance tests, and compare the results between individuals with and without subclinical neck pain. MethodsParticipants were students of the University of Aveiro reporting subclinical neck pain and asymptomatic participants matched for sex and age to the neck pain group. Data on endurance capacity of the deep neck flexors and neck extensors were collected by a blinded assessor using the deep neck flexor endurance test and the extensor endurance test, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), SEM, and MDC were calculated for measurements taken within a session by the same assessor. Differences between groups for endurance capacity were investigated using a Mann-Whitney U test. ResultsThe deep neck flexor endurance test (ICC = 0.71; SEM = 6.91 seconds; MDC = 19.15 seconds) and neck extensor endurance test (ICC = 0.73; SEM = 9.84 minutes; MDC = 2.34 minutes) are reliable. No significant differences were found between participants with and without neck pain for both tests of muscle endurance (P > .05). ConclusionThe endurance capacity of the deep neck flexors and neck extensors can be reliably measured in participants with subclinical neck pain. However, the wide SEM and MDC might limit the sensitivity of these tests.