Abstract
Objective. To characterize isometric rotation strength in the neutral and in different prerotated
positions of the neck.
Design. This was a descriptive study involving maximal isometric strength measurements of
the cervical musculature.
Background. The literature contains only a few studies pertaining to strength levels of the neck
rotator muscles in the neutral position. None of these studies have dealt in detail
with maximal neck strength in selected prerotation positions.
Method. Twenty healthy men volunteered as subjects. Maximal axial rotation strength of the
neck muscles was measured in a neutral position and bilaterally at 30° and 60° rotation
using the isometric neck strength measurement system. Isometric maximum voluntary
contractions of the neck muscles in flexion and extension were also tested.
Results. The highest strength values were not reached in the neutral position, but at the
largest joint angles, while turning the head in the opposite direction from the prerotated
position. Maximal strength increased with increasing angle, and at the 60° prerotation
angle it was 44% higher towards the right and 27% higher towards the left compared
to the values obtained in the neutral position. The smallest strength values were
also produced at the largest prerotation angles, but in the same direction.
Conclusions. The present results show a clear relationship between the prerotated position of
the neck and maximal voluntary strength in rotation.Relevance
The data suggest that neck strength is highly prerotation angle dependent. Neck strength
should be measured at several prerotation positions in addition to the neutral position
in order to obtain the true strength values throughout the entire range of motion.
Maximal neck rotation strength between subjects is differentiated best at the greatest
prerotation angles.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 18,
2003
Received:
May 13,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
