Effect of Dorsal Neck Muscle Fatigue on Postural Control

Background

There appears to be a relationship between muscle fatigue in the cervical spine and deficits in postural control, however, no previous studies have been examined the effects of specific dorsal neck muscle fatigue on designated movers of cervical spine. By systematically fatiguing dorsal neck muscles and measuring subsequent postural control, it may be possible to determine to what extent deficits in postural control exist after fatigue.

Methods

30 subjects were included in the study. Initial dorsal muscle neck strength (Kg) was measured with digital dynamometer and postural sway velocity analysis (mm2 / sec) with eyes closed was measured with posturography. Then the subjects were made to follow the dorsal neck muscle fatigue protocol, where the patient is positioned in prone lying with legs straight and arms positioned at the sides in the bed. Load of 2 kg for women and 4 kg for men is applied around the head above the ears. The load is sustained till the subject's tolerance and then post analysis of postural sway velocity and dorsal muscle neck strength were measured.

Results

There was a significant increase in postural sway velocity (<0.01) with eyes closed and the strength of dorsal neck muscles (<0.01) decreased following dorsal neck muscle fatigue protocol.

Conclusion

Postural control alters with dorsal neck muscle fatigue.