Maximal isometric muscle strength of the cervical spine in healthy volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the maximal isometric neck muscle strength in healthy Chinese volunteers, in six different directions, as measured by a Multi Cervical Rehabilitation Unit.


METHODS
A standardized cross-sectional observational study.


METHODS
A university rehabilitation unit.


METHODS
Ninety-one healthy volunteers aged 20-84.


METHODS
During the measurement the subject was instructed to do three consecutive steady contractions as hard as possible, with a 10-second rest in between each contraction and a 2-minute rest between different directions. The peak isometric strength for each of the six directions (flexion, extension, lateral flexions, protraction and retraction) was calculated.


RESULTS
No significant difference was found in muscle strength between different age groups. Isometric muscle strength in the direction of right lateral flexion was significantly greater than that to the left in men (p = 0.030), but no difference was found in women (p = 0.297). Isometric strength in all directions in men was 1.2-1.7 times that in women (all p < 0.028). Correlations between physical measurements (height and weight) and strength values were all insignificant in both genders.


CONCLUSIONS
Men have approximately 20-70% greater isometric neck muscle strength than women. Both men and women can maintain high levels of cervical muscle strength in six different directions up to their seventh decade. There is no significant correlation between physical measurements and isometric neck muscle strength.
Chiu
Thomas T W
TT
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom. rstchiu@polyu.edu.hk
Lam
Tai-Hing
TH
Hedley
Anthony J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors