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

Last updated: December 13, 2019
Sponsor: University of Valencia
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

2/3

Condition

N/A

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT04201483
1574447392087
  • Ages 18-55
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

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

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • No actual neck pain

  • Being able to understand Spanish language

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Neck pain in the last 3 months

  • Previous surgery in the neck region

  • Neurological diseases or any other condition that may alter voluntary musclecontraction

  • Previous experience with cervical motor control training exercises

  • Previous experience using RUSI as an external feedback tool in any other body area

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Study Start date:
December 05, 2019
Estimated Completion Date:
April 20, 2020

Study Description

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.

Connect with a study center

  • Faculty of Physiotherapy. University of Valencia

    Valencia, 46010
    Spain

    Active - Recruiting

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