February 2018 CME Article No. 2: Alterations in the Mechanical Response of Deep Dorsal Neck Muscles in Individuals Experiencing Whiplash-Associated Disorders Compared to Healthy Controls-February 2018 CME Article No. 2

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This study, led by Leila Rahnama and colleagues, investigated alterations in the mechanical responses of deep dorsal neck muscles in individuals with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) compared to healthy individuals. The study involved 36 individuals with WAD and 36 healthy controls, matching them for age and sex. Researchers utilized ultrasound imaging with speckle tracking to assess the deformation and deformation rate in five dorsal neck muscles during a neck extension task.<br /><br />Key findings revealed that individuals with WAD displayed significantly higher deformations of the semispinalis cervicis and multifidus muscles, as well as higher deformation rates, compared to healthy controls. These mechanical responses are potentially indicative of altered muscle strategies in WAD patients while performing neck tasks. The study also discovered that these alterations were significantly associated with experiences of pain, disability, and fatigue within this patient group.<br /><br />The results highlight the possibility that dysfunctions in the mechanical responses of deep dorsal neck muscles could be linked to chronic conditions in WAD patients. This insight provides a better understanding of muscle pathology in WAD, which could have implications for improving rehabilitation programs and understanding the muscle mechanics involved in neck stability and function. Furthermore, the research identified significant correlations between muscle deformation rates, deformation, and perceived levels of neck pain and disability, suggesting these mechanical changes might contribute to or result from chronic pain symptoms.<br /><br />This investigation contributes to understanding neck muscle function, particularly revealing the significant role the multifidus muscle plays in relation to WAD, underscoring the value of targeted treatment strategies aimed at those specific muscles in rehabilitation protocols.

Asset Subtitle

Alterations in the Mechanical Response of Deep Dorsal Neck Muscles in Individuals Experiencing Whiplash-Associated Disorders Compared to Healthy Controls

Keywords

whiplash-associated disorders

deep dorsal neck muscles

mechanical responses

ultrasound imaging

speckle tracking

muscle deformation

semispinalis cervicis

multifidus muscle

neck pain

rehabilitation strategies