Comparison between velocity‐specific exercise and isometric exercise on neck muscle functions and performance: a randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Background Evidence has shown that velocity-specific exercise results in additional benefits for peripheral joint muscles by promoting their functions, however, its effects on spinal muscles are yet to be investigated. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and effects of velocity-specific exercise compared to isometric exercise on cervical muscle functions and performance in healthy individuals. Methods Thirty healthy adults were randomised to practise either the velocity-specific exercise (VSE, n = 15) or isometric exercise (IE, n = 15) for 6 weeks. Functions and performance of the cervical extensors and flexors were assessed pre- and post-program, by analyzing the peak torque and electromyography during the isokinetic testing, and cross-sectional area of the deep cervical muscles at rest. The self-reported level of difficulty and post-exercise soreness during the exercise were recorded to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the two exercise programs. Results Both VSE and IE exercises resulted in significant improvement of the muscle functions and performance while there were no between-group differences at reassessment of the (a) cross-sectional area of longus colli and semispinalis capitis; (b) EMG amplitude in sternocleidomastoid and cervical erector spinae, and (c) peak torque values. Further analysis revealed that degree of correlation between extension torque and EMG amplitude of cervical erector spinae increased in both groups. However, significant correlation was found only in VSE group post-program. There were no significant differences for the level of difficulty and post-exercise soreness found between two groups. Conclusions Both velocity-specific and isometric exercises significantly promoted cervical muscle functions and performance. The present study confirms that velocity-specific exercise can be practised safely and it also contributes to a greater enhancement in neuromuscular efficiency of the cervical extensors. These findings indicate that the velocity-specific exercise can be considered as a safe alternative for training of the cervical muscles. Further study is recommended to examine its benefit and application for promoting the muscle functions and recovery in symptomatic individuals.

Effectiveness of isometric exercises on disability and pain of cervical spondylosis: a randomized controlled trial

“…The effectiveness of velocity-specific exercise program and isometric exercise program were examined in a 6-week follow-up RCT. The authors of said study found that there was no statistically significant difference between two interventions, both resulting in a considerable improvement in terms of cervical muscles function and performance [24].…”

Effect of long-term cervical extensor exercise program on functional disability, pain intensity, range of motion, cervical muscle mass, and cervical curvature in young adult population with chronic non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

“…An easily implementable and effective exercise program would ideally reduce occurrences of neck pain and its consequences in adulthood. Several trials have demonstrated the efficacy of specific cervical extensor exercises in pain relief, disability improvement, muscle strength enhancement, and cervical lordosis restoration in patients with CNNP [ 32 , 33 , 35 , 38 , 46 ]. Our 12-month follow-up results have validated our hypothesis that, in young adult population with NCCP, a long-term specific training of cervical extensors is superior to usual stretching exercises in improving disability, pain, and CROM and increasing muscle CSAs.…”

“…These findings highlight the influence of the training protocol on the efficacy of exercise. In this study, the participants in the observation group performed specific cervical extensor exercises, with modified isometric and isokinetic exercises, referencing previous exercise protocols from Tsang et al [ 32 ] and Giménez-Costa et al [ 33 ]. Our findings support the notion that specific extensor exercises are superior to stretching exercises in long-term pain and disability improvement, as significant between-group differences in NDI and VAS scores were only found at the 12-month follow-up.…”

“…Participants in both groups were encouraged to exert maximal effort during all exercises. The exercises implemented in both groups were derived from previous research [ 17 , 31 , 32 , 38 ]. Due to the designated long duration of the exercise program, the training program from previous trials was modified and simplified to some extent.…”

“…The participants in the observation group underwent specific cervical extensor training, including isometric and isokinetic exercises, referencing the study of Schomacher et al [ 39 ]. Additionally, for the convenience of at-home exercise, the training protocol was a modified and simplified version of previous exercise programs from Tsang et al [ 32 ] and Giménez-Costa et al [ 33 ]. The warm-up procedure was the same as that in the control group.…”