Reproducibility of isometric strength: measurement of neck muscles.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the repeatability of an advanced method of measuring the strength of functionally different groups of neck muscles using an isometric apparatus.


METHODS
A repeated measures design was used within and between sessions.


BACKGROUND
Chronic neck pain has been associated with poor isometric neck strength. In rehabilitation, strength measurements may thus help to evaluate the basic condition and show whether or not treatments and exercises have been beneficial for improving strength. Previous tests have concentrated on testing strength while trying to bend forwards and backwards, but no biomechanics device, able to test rotator muscles, has been presented.


METHODS
The new isometric measurement device was used to test flexion, extension and also rotation strengths of normal subjects (n = 33).


RESULTS
Intratester repeatability was good with regard to all measured parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
With both tests performed on the same day and test comparisons between days, intratest repeatability was good with regard to all measured parameters.
Ylinen
J J
JJ
Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Central Hospital of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Rezasoltani
A
A
Julin
M V
MV
Virtapohja
H A
HA
Mälkiä
E A
EA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology*