Article

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the mechanical
responses of dorsal neck muscles in individuals with whiplash-associated
disorders (WAD) versus healthy individuals. DESIGN:
This study included 36
individuals with WAD (26 women and 10 men) and 36 healthy controls (26 women and
10 men). Ultrasound imaging with speckle tracking was used to measure deformation
and deformation rate in five dorsal neck muscles during a neck extension task.
RESULTS: Compared with controls, individuals with WAD showed higher deformations
of the semispinalis cervicis (P = 0.02) and multifidus (P = 0.002) muscles and
higher deformation rates (P = 0.03 and 0.0001, respectively). Among individuals
with WAD, multifidus deformation and deformation rate were significantly
associated with pain, disability, and fatigue (r = 0.31-0.46, P = 0.0001-0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the mechanical responses of the deep
dorsal neck muscles differ between individuals with WAD and healthy controls,
possibly reflecting that these muscles use altered strategies while performing a
neck extension task. This finding provides new insight into neck muscles
pathology in patients with chronic WAD and may help improve rehabilitation
programs. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and
evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon
completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Summarize the
mechanical responses of dorsal neck muscles during loading of the neck muscles
via an extension task in individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorders
and healthy volunteers; (2) Differentiate mechanical responses between five
dorsal neck muscles while loading the neck via an extension task; and (3)
Describe the relationships between the mechanical responses of the dorsal neck
muscles with the patients' perception of neck pain, disability, and fatigue.
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Langue : ANGLAIS