Faculty Collaboration Database

Stabilizing effect of precontracted neck musculature in whiplash. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2006 Sep 15;31(20):E733-8

Date

09/21/2006

Pubmed ID

16985440

DOI

10.1097/01.brs.0000240210.23617.e7

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-33748853705 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   24 Citations

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: This study investigated the effect of neck muscle precontraction in aware occupants in whiplash. Head angulation relative to T1 and facet joint capsular ligament distractions were compared between aware and unaware occupants.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify changes in facet joint capsular ligament distractions between aware occupants with precontracted neck muscles and unaware occupants with reflex muscle contraction.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Clinical studies have reported that patients aware of the impending impact had decreased symptom intensity and faster recovery after whiplash. To date, no study has investigated the effects of precontracted neck musculature on localized spinal soft tissue distortions in whiplash.

METHODS: Aware occupants with precontracted neck muscles and unaware occupants with reflex muscle contraction in whiplash were simulated using a validated computational model. Muscle contraction attained maximum levels before impact in the aware occupant and implemented reflex delay, electromechanical delay, and finite muscle rise time in the unaware occupant.

RESULTS: Precontraction of neck muscles in aware occupants resulted in 63% decreased maximum head angles, elimination of cervical S-curvature, and up to 75% decrease in maximum facet joint capsular ligament distractions.

CONCLUSIONS: Occupants aware of an impending whiplash impact with precontracted neck muscles can markedly reduce overall head-neck and spinal motions. It is our theory that this would reduce whiplash injury likelihood.

Author List

Stemper BD, Yoganandan N, Cusick JF, Pintar FA

Authors

Joseph F. Cusick MD Adjunct Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Frank A. Pintar PhD Chair, Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Brian Stemper PhD Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Narayan Yoganandan PhD Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Accidents, Traffic
Awareness
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cervical Vertebrae
Computer Simulation
Head
Humans
Joint Instability
Models, Biological
Muscle Contraction
Muscle, Skeletal
Neck
Reflex, Stretch
Whiplash Injuries