Comparing neck extensor muscle function in asymptomatic Canadian adults and adults with tension-type headache: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

AimTo further the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying tension-type headache (TTH) by comparing the endurance and strength of neck extensor muscles under acute muscle fatigue in participants with TTH and asymptomatic participants.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of neck extensor muscle performance. Asymptomatic participants and participants with TTH were recruited via social media platforms and from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières community and employees. A total of 44 participants with TTH and 40 asymptomatic participants took part in an isometric neck extensor endurance task performed at 60% of their maximum voluntary contraction. Inclusion criteria for the headache group were to be older than 18 years old and to fulfil the International Headache Society classification’s criteria for either frequent episodic or chronic TTH. Clinical (self-efficacy, anxiety, neck disability and kinesiophobia) and physical parameters (neck extensors maximum voluntary contraction, endurance time, muscle fatigue) as well as characteristics of headache episodes (intensity, frequency and associated disability) were collected for all participants. Surface electromyography was used to document upper trapezius, splenius capitis and sternocleidomastoids muscle activity and muscle fatigue.ResultsBoth groups displayed similar neck extensor muscle endurance capacity with a mean difference of 6.2 s (p>0.05) in favour of the control group (control=68.1±32.3; TTH=61.9±20.1). Similarly, participants in the headache group showed comparable neck extensor muscle strength (95.9±30.4 N) to the control group (111.3±38.7 N). Among participants with TTH, those scoring as severely incapacitated by headaches were the ones with higher neck-related disability (F[1,44]=10.77; p=0.002), the more frequent headache episodes (F[1,44]=6.70; p=0.01) and higher maximum headache intensity (F[1,44]=10.81; p=0.002).ConclusionA fatigue task consisting of isometric neck extension cannot efficiently differentiate participants with TTH from asymptomatic participants.

Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Headache Impact, Anxiety, and Physical Activity Levels in Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache: An Observational Study

“…Some studies evaluated kinesophobia as a factor associated with TTH, although no clear data has been drawn regarding this issue [11][12][13]. Kinesiophobia refers to excessive, irrational, and debilitating fear a person may suffer from physical movement and/or activity due to a vulnerability perception to experience a painful injury or reinjury [14].…”

“…This fact often leads to physical inactivity as well as an increase in pain intensity in subjects with musculoskeletal pain conditions [15]. However, no significant associations between pain intensity and decreased physical activity have been reported in patients with TTH [11][12][13].…”

Deep Cervical Muscles and Functionality in Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache: An Observational Study

“…The involvement of musculoskeletal disorders in patients with TTH is sufficiently demonstrated in the scientific literature. Common exploratory findings in these patients are the presence of myofascial trigger points in the cranial and pericranial muscles [ 8 ], presence of neck pain [ 11 ], and weakness of the deep cervical muscles [ 12 ]. A decrease in deep cervical muscle thickness was also demonstrated in TTH patients [ 13 ], which may be related to a greater weakness in deep neck flexor muscles, tested by CCFT [ 14 ].…”