Abstract
This study investigated whether pain-induced changes in cervical muscle activation affect myoelectric manifestations of cervical muscle fatigue. Surface EMG signals were detected from the sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis muscles bilaterally from 14 healthy subjects during 20-s cervical flexion contractions at 25% of the maximal force. Measurements were performed before and after the injection of 0.5 ml of hypertonic (painful) or isotonic (control) saline into either the sternocleidomastoid or splenius capitis in two experimental sessions. EMG average rectified value and mean power spectral frequency were estimated throughout the sustained contraction. Sternocleidomastoid or splenius capitis muscle pain resulted in lower sternocleidomastoid EMG average rectified value on the side of pain (P < 0.01). However, changes over time of sternocleidomastoid EMG average rectified value and mean frequency (myoelectric manifestations of fatigue) during sustained flexion were not changed during muscle pain. These results demonstrate that pain-induced modifications of cervical muscle activity do not change myoelectric manifestations of fatigue. This finding has implications for interpreting the mechanisms underlying greater cervical muscle fatigue in people with neck pain disorders.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 938-46 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2008 |
Keywords
- Adult
- Electromyography
- Female
- Humans
- Isometric Contraction
- Male
- Muscle Fatigue
- Neck Muscles
- Pain
- Journal Article
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't