A comparative investigation of flexion relaxation phenomenon in healthy and chronic neck pain subjects

Maroufi, Nader; Ahmadi, Amir; Mousavi-Khatir, Roghayeh

doi:10.1007/s00586-012-2517-3

Cited by 39 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 39 publications

(78 reference statements)

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“…Wytrazek et al [41] also found a correlation between amount of EMG signal alteration and presence of active TP. It was also observed a reduced Flexor Relaxation Phenomena (FRP) in subjects with IOMNP, indicating an inability to relax the extensor muscles when maximal neck flexion occurs [42].…”

Section: Changes In Muscular Activation Patternmentioning

confidence: 89%

Structural and Functional Changes of Cervical Neuromuscular System Associated with Insidious Onset Mechanical Neck Pain: A literature Review

Mario¹,

Vanti²,

Pillastrini³

et al. 2015

Int J Phys Ther Rehab

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Background: The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of structural and functional changes of cervical neuromuscular system associated with Insidious Onset Mechanical Neck Pain [IOMPT]. Methods: MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases were searched. Observational studies published after 01-01-2003 in English or Italian languages were included. The following search string was used: "neck pain" AND (muscle OR "motor control" OR behaviour OR function OR endurance OR "isometric contraction") NOT (radiculopathy OR surgery OR "specific neck pain"). Results: 15 papers concerning changes in structure of neck neuromuscular system, 19 on changes in pattern of neuromuscular activation, and 16 on deficit in neuromuscular function associated to IOMNP were selected. From this review emerges that pain, whether it be artificially produced or due to IOMNP, provokes an alteration of the cervical region function and a number of anomalies in the behavior of the neuro-muscular system. IOMNP is associated with structural alterations affecting the cervical region at different levels (metabolic, histological, and even macroscopic). Changes in cervical neuromuscular system structure concern altered histology and metabolism, cross sectional area thickness, muscle fatty infiltration, trigger points generation, and alterations of muscular activation pattern. Changes in neuromuscular function concern reduced maximal voluntary contraction, alteration on proprioception, coordination and on complex functions. Conclusion:The relationships between IONMP and changes in the intrinsic properties, behavior, and function of neck muscles have now acquired evidence. There is a widespread consensus about the fact that these alterations contribute to the onset, maintenance, and recurrence of neck pain. Structural and Functional Changes of Cervical Neuromuscular System Review ArticleOpen Access IntroductionInsidious Onset Mechanical Neck Pain (IOMNP) is a common cause of discomfort and disability and a growing problem in society, resulting in significant impact on health care costs [1]. Within 6 months, 54% of adults experience IOMNP, and 5% of them complain of associated disability. Furthermore, only 6.3% of people who suffered from neck pain are free from recurrence [2]. About 0.6% of the general population is exposed to disability caused by IOMNP and females are more prone to recurrent and / or chronic pain than males [3]. The IOMNP can be considered a work-related disorder in some professions, including pilots [4][5][6][7], musicians [8][9], and workers using personal computer for prolonged times [10][11][12][13][14].Cervical spine supports the head and orients it in space, transmits forces on the upper limb and has close relations with the visual and vestibular function [15][16][17][18]. Given the complexity of this region and the close link between central nervous system (CNS) and muscles, several abnormalities in structure and function of the neuromuscular system may develop when pain occurs [2,15].The aim of this review is to pro...

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Section: Changes In Muscular Activation Patternmentioning

confidence: 89%

Structural and Functional Changes of Cervical Neuromuscular System Associated with Insidious Onset Mechanical Neck Pain: A literature Review

Mario¹,

Vanti²,

Pillastrini³

et al. 2015

Int J Phys Ther Rehab

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In the present study, ES myoelectric activity at full flexion increased 44% after sustained neck flexion and was followed by a significant decrease in the FRR. Previous studies on the cervical spine have suggested that FRR may be an important marker of neuromuscular impairment that differentiates neck pain from healthy control subjects (Maroufi et al, 2013;Murphy et al, 2010).…”

Section: A C C E P T E D Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Then thorax was tightly fixed by a strap at the level of the scapula spine. The subjects then performed three trials in the following sequence and pace: maintain the starting position for 4 s (phase 1), complete cervical flexion in 4 s (phase 2), sustain cervical full flexion for 4 s (phase 3) and complete cervical re-extension from the fully flexed position to the starting position in 4 s (phase 4) (Maroufi et al, 2013).…”

Section: Experimental Protocolmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To record MVIC, the subject was asked to maintain a sitting position while a cuff was wrapped around the head and connected to a dynamometer by a cable. The subjects pulled back maximally on the cable and the maximum force was monitored (Maroufi et al, 2013). The subjects performed three repetitions of MVIC for 5 s with 2 min inter-trial intervals to prevent muscle fatigue.…”

Section: Experimental Protocolmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They reported differences between groups in the FRP parameters such as flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR), onset and cessation angle and muscular activity (Maroufi et al, 2013;Murphy et al, 2010). FRR is an index used to monitor changes in FRP (Mak et al, 2010) and is a reliable marker of altered neuromuscular function (Maroufi et al, 2013;Murphy et al, 2010). A recent study measured the effect of shoulder position and neck extensor fatigue on FRP in the cervical spine.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

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