Comparison Between the Velocity-specific Exercise and Isometric Exercise on Neck Muscle Functions and Performance: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Background: Evidences showed that the additional benefits of velocity-specific exercise for improving functions of peripheral joint muscles. Its effects for spinal muscles is yet to be investigated. This study aimed to compare the effects of velocity-specific exercise to isometric exercise on cervical muscle functions and performance in healthy adults.
Methods: Thirty healthy adults received either a 6-week velocity-specific (VSE, n=15) or isometric exercise program (IE, n=15) of their neck muscles. Cervical muscle functions and performance were assessed pre- and post-program, using isokinetic assessment, electromyography and cross-sectional area assessment of deep neck muscles. A self-reported level of difficulty and post-exercise soreness was also recorded during the program.
Results: Both exercises programs showed significant increase in cross-sectional area of longus colli and semispinalis capitis; EMG amplitude in sternocleidomastoid and cervical erector spinae, and flexion and extension torque values, at reassessment, without between-groups difference. However, correlation between extension torque and EMG amplitude of cervical erector spinae increased in both groups and a significant correlation found in VSE group post-program. No significant differences found between groups on the self-reported scales.
Conclusions: Both exercises promoted cervical muscle functions and performance significantly with velocity-specific exercise contributes to a greater enhancement of torque production efficiency of superficial neck muscles. This novel exercise may consider as a safe alternative for neck muscle rehabilitation. Further study to examine the effects of velocity-specific exercise in symptomatic individuals to unravel its potential application and benefit for promoting the functional recovery is recommended.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Due to technical limitations, table 1, table 2 and table 3 are only available as a download in the Supplemental Files section.
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
Posted 13 Dec, 2020
On 13 Dec, 2020
Invitations sent on 13 Dec, 2020
On 13 Dec, 2020
Received 13 Dec, 2020
On 13 Dec, 2020
On 13 Dec, 2020
Posted 17 Sep, 2020
On 14 Jan, 2021
On 21 Oct, 2020
Received 21 Oct, 2020
On 21 Oct, 2020
Received 19 Oct, 2020
On 17 Oct, 2020
On 11 Sep, 2020
Invitations sent on 11 Sep, 2020
On 10 Sep, 2020
On 10 Sep, 2020
Posted 17 Jul, 2020
Comparison Between the Velocity-specific Exercise and Isometric Exercise on Neck Muscle Functions and Performance: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Posted 13 Dec, 2020
On 13 Dec, 2020
Invitations sent on 13 Dec, 2020
On 13 Dec, 2020
Received 13 Dec, 2020
On 13 Dec, 2020
On 13 Dec, 2020
Posted 17 Sep, 2020
On 14 Jan, 2021
On 21 Oct, 2020
Received 21 Oct, 2020
On 21 Oct, 2020
Received 19 Oct, 2020
On 17 Oct, 2020
On 11 Sep, 2020
Invitations sent on 11 Sep, 2020
On 10 Sep, 2020
On 10 Sep, 2020
Posted 17 Jul, 2020
Background: Evidences showed that the additional benefits of velocity-specific exercise for improving functions of peripheral joint muscles. Its effects for spinal muscles is yet to be investigated. This study aimed to compare the effects of velocity-specific exercise to isometric exercise on cervical muscle functions and performance in healthy adults.
Methods: Thirty healthy adults received either a 6-week velocity-specific (VSE, n=15) or isometric exercise program (IE, n=15) of their neck muscles. Cervical muscle functions and performance were assessed pre- and post-program, using isokinetic assessment, electromyography and cross-sectional area assessment of deep neck muscles. A self-reported level of difficulty and post-exercise soreness was also recorded during the program.
Results: Both exercises programs showed significant increase in cross-sectional area of longus colli and semispinalis capitis; EMG amplitude in sternocleidomastoid and cervical erector spinae, and flexion and extension torque values, at reassessment, without between-groups difference. However, correlation between extension torque and EMG amplitude of cervical erector spinae increased in both groups and a significant correlation found in VSE group post-program. No significant differences found between groups on the self-reported scales.
Conclusions: Both exercises promoted cervical muscle functions and performance significantly with velocity-specific exercise contributes to a greater enhancement of torque production efficiency of superficial neck muscles. This novel exercise may consider as a safe alternative for neck muscle rehabilitation. Further study to examine the effects of velocity-specific exercise in symptomatic individuals to unravel its potential application and benefit for promoting the functional recovery is recommended.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Due to technical limitations, table 1, table 2 and table 3 are only available as a download in the Supplemental Files section.