Article

Altered activity in the axioscapular muscles is considered to be an important
feature in patients with neck pain. The activity of the serratus anterior (SA)
and trapezius muscles during arm elevation has not been investigated in these
patients. The objectives of this study was to investigate whether there is a
pattern of altered activity in the SA and trapezius in patients with insidious
onset neck pain (IONP) (n=22) and whiplash associated disorders (WAD) (n=27). An
asymptomatic group was selected for baseline measurements (n=23). Surface
electromyography was used to measure the onset of muscle activation and duration
of muscle activity of the SA as well as the upper, middle, and lower trapezius
during unilateral arm elevation in the three subject groups. Both arms were
tested. With no interaction, the main effect for the onset of muscle activation
and duration of muscle activity for serratus anterior was statistically
significant among the groups. Post hoc comparison revealed a significantly
delayed onset of muscle activation and less duration of muscle activity in the
IONP group, and in the WAD group compared to the asymptomatic group. There were
no group main effects or interaction effects for upper, middle and lower
trapezius. This finding may have implications for scapular stability in these
patients because the altered activity in the SA may reflect inconsistent or
poorly coordinated muscle activation that may reduce the quality of neuromuscular
performance and induce an increased load on the cervical and the thoracic spine.
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Langue : ANGLAIS