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Prediction of Three Dimensional Maximum Isometric Neck Strength

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Abstract

We measured maximum isometric neck strength under combinations of flexion/extension, lateral bending and axial rotation to determine whether neck strength in three dimensions (3D) can be predicted from principal axes strength. This would allow biomechanical modelers to validate their neck models across many directions using only principal axis strength data. Maximum isometric neck moments were measured in 9 male volunteers (29 ± 9 years) for 17 directions. The 3D moments were normalized by the principal axis moments, and compared to unity for all directions tested. Finally, each subject’s maximum principal axis moments were used to predict their resultant moment in the off-axis directions. Maximum moments were 30 ± 6 N m in flexion, 32 ± 9 N m in lateral bending, 51 ± 11 N m in extension, and 13 ± 5 N m in axial rotation. The normalized 3D moments were not significantly different from unity (95% confidence interval contained one), except for three directions that combined ipsilateral axial rotation and lateral bending; in these directions the normalized moments exceeded one. Predicted resultant moments compared well to the actual measured values (r 2 = 0.88). Despite exceeding unity, the normalized moments were consistent across subjects to allow prediction of maximum 3D neck strength using principal axes neck strength.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the generous support from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. JBF was supported by a CGS-D scholarship from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. JSB received salary support from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation. GPS received a salary and owned stock in MEA Forensic Engineers and Scientists.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Jason B. Fice, Gunter P. Siegmund & Jean-Sébastien Blouin

  2. MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists, 11 - 11151 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, BC, V7A 4S5, Canada

    Gunter P. Siegmund

  3. Brain Research Centre and Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Jean-Sébastien Blouin

Authors
  1. Jason B. Fice
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  2. Gunter P. Siegmund
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  3. Jean-Sébastien Blouin
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Correspondence to Gunter P. Siegmund.

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Associate Editor Joel D. Stitzel oversaw the review of this article.

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Fice, J.B., Siegmund, G.P. & Blouin, JS. Prediction of Three Dimensional Maximum Isometric Neck Strength. Ann Biomed Eng 42, 1846–1852 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-014-1046-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-014-1046-0

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