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Morphological changes in the cervical muscles of women with chronic whiplash can be modified with exercise—A pilot study
Author(s) -
O'leary Shaun,
Jull Gwendolen,
Van Wyk Luke,
Pedler Ashley,
Elliott James
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.24612
Subject(s) - whiplash , medicine , multifidus muscle , neck muscles , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , whiplash injury , neck pain , anatomy , low back pain , poison control , pathology , alternative medicine , environmental health
ABSTRACT Introduction : In this preliminary study we determined whether MRI markers of cervical muscle degeneration [elevated muscle fatty infiltration (MFI), cross‐sectional area (CSA), and reduced relative muscle CSA (rmCSA)] could be modified with exercise in patients with chronic whiplash. Methods : Five women with chronic whiplash undertook 10 weeks of neck exercise. MRI measures of the cervical multifidus (posterior) and longus capitus/colli (anterior) muscles, neck muscle strength, and self‐reported neck disability were recorded at baseline and at completion of the exercise program. Results : Overall significant increases in CSA and rmCSA were observed for both muscles, but significant reductions in MFI were only evident in the cervical multifidus muscle. These changes coincided with increased muscle strength and reduced neck disability. Conclusions : MRI markers of muscle morphology in individuals with chronic whiplash appear to be modifiable with exercise. Muscle Nerve 52 : 772–779, 2015