Real-time Ultrasound Imaging as Feedback for Deep Cervical Extensors Activation

Overview

The aim of this study will be to determine the value of adding real-time ultrasound imaging (RUSI) as an external feedback tool for teaching the contraction of the deep cervical extensors (DCE) in healthy subjects. The potential benefit of RUSI to facilitate activation of the DCE during a specific motor task as well as the retention capacity of this motor task after a short period of training will be investigated

Participants will be randomly allocated into two exercise groups: "DCE exercise without RUSI feedback (DCE)" and "DCE exercise with RUSI feedback (DCE+RUSI)". Participants assigned to DCE will perform an exercise known to selectively activate the semispinalis cervicis muscles. By the other hand, participants in the DCE+RUSI group will perform the same exercise as the DCE group to selectively activate the semispinalis cervicis muscle but receiving RUSI feedback about correct performance. In both groups, a total of 10 sets of 10 repetitions will be performed with one minute of rest between each set. Ultrasound measurement will be used to asses the antero-posterior dimension (thickness) of the DCE both at rest and during contraction at the level of C4 at baseline, immediately after the DCE exercise activation protocol and one-week follow-up in order to evaluate retention capacity. All participants will be asked to not perform any other cervical motor control exercise or exercise using RUSI feedback until the last time point assessment will be finished. All participants will be asked to avoid any exercises or treatments for neck pain between sessions. All ultrasound images will be analysed off-line using Image J software. Thickness and percent thickness change will be measured. The percent thickness change will be calculated by using the following equation: thickness contracted - thickness rest / thickness rest.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes