Differential Strength and Endurance Parameters of the Craniocervical and Cervicothoracic Extensors and Flexors in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

This study examined isometric strength (maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]) and endurance of cervical flexor and extensor muscles in healthy individuals at the craniocervical (CC) and cervicothoracic (CT) axes. MVC and endurance measures (time to task failure in seconds [s]) at 50% MVC were recorded in 4 directions (CC flexion, CC extension, CT flexion, and CT extension) in 20 males and 20 females, and 6 strength and endurance ratios were calculated. The findings showed that the cervical extensor muscles are not only much stronger than the flexors (1.3–2 times greater MVC), but also have greater capacity for endurance (2–2.4 times greater). While males produced significantly greater MVC recordings than females (P < .003), strength ratios (P > .06) and endurance measures (P > .11) were similar. Endurance ratios were also similar except the CT extension to CC flexion ratio, which was significantly larger in females compared with males (P = .03). These findings demonstrate that substantial but normal variation exists in strength and endurance parameters between cervical flexor and extensor muscles. This is informative to clinicians when evaluating the performance of these neck muscles or when deciding on exercise parameters (eg, load, duration) when training their performance.