title: Morphological changes in the cervical muscles of women with chronic whiplash can be modified with exercise-A pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this preliminary study we determined whether MRI markers of cervical muscle degeneration [elevated muscle fatty infiltration (MFI), cross-sectional area (CSA), and reduced relative muscle CSA (rmCSA)] could be modified with exercise in patients with chronic whiplash.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five women with chronic whiplash undertook 10 weeks of neck exercise. MRI measures of the cervical multifidus (posterior) and longus capitus/colli (anterior) muscles, neck muscle strength, and self-reported neck disability were recorded at baseline and at completion of the exercise program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall significant increases in CSA and rmCSA were observed for both muscles, but significant reductions in MFI were only evident in the cervical multifidus muscle. These changes coincided with increased muscle strength and reduced neck disability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MRI markers of muscle morphology in individuals with chronic whiplash appear to be modifiable with exercise.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, Division of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.|Physiotherapy Department, Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Shaun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'leary
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, Division of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: Gwendolen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jull
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, Division of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: Luke
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Van Wyk
authors.affiliation: Centre for National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pedler
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.|School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: MRI; exercise; muscle degeneration; rehabilitation; whiplash