Strength Isometric Test: Neck Flexion

Here's how you can test neck flexion isometric strength using Muscle Meter:

Materials Needed:

1. Muscle Meter: This is a device used to measure force or muscle strength. It typically consists of a handle and a sensor that quantifies the force applied.

2. Adjustable chair or bench: A stable surface that allows the individual being tested to sit comfortably with their back straight and feet flat on the ground.

Testing Procedure:

1. Positioning the Individual:

   • Ask the individual to sit on the adjustable chair or bench with their back straight and feet flat on the ground.
   • Ensure that the individual is seated in a stable position, with their hips and back against the chair's backrest.

2. Orientation of the Muscle Meter:

   • Adjust the Muscle Meter so that the sensor (the part that measures force) is oriented vertically. It should be aligned with the individual's forehead.

3. Stabilizing the Muscle Meter:

   • The tester (or examiner) should hold the muscle meter against the individual's forehead with a firm but comfortable grip, ensuring that the sensor remains perpendicular to the forehead.

4. Performing the Test:

   • Instruct the individual to perform a maximal neck flexion contraction by pushing their forehead against the dynamometer with as much force as they can while keeping their neck in a fixed, straight position (isometrically).
   • Ask the individual to hold this contraction for a few seconds, typically 3 to 5 seconds, while you record the maximum force displayed on the handheld dynamometer.

5. Recording the Result:

   • Record the maximum force in units such as pounds (lbs) or newtons (N) generated during the neck flexion contraction.

6. Repeat if Necessary:

   • It's a good practice to repeat the test 2-3 times to ensure consistency in the results, with short rest periods between attempts.

7. Documentation and Analysis:

   • Document the highest force measurement obtained during the test.
   • Compare the results to normative data or previous measurements if available, and consider them in the context of the individual's specific needs or rehabilitation goals.

References:

1. Isometric Strength of the Cervical Flexor, Extensor, and ... - JOSPT." https://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.2006.2122
2. McKay MJ, Baldwin JN, Ferreira P, Simic M, Vanicek N, Burns J; 1000 Norms Project Consortium. Normative reference values for strength and flexibility of 1,000 children and adults. Neurology. 2017 Jan 3;88(1):36-43. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000003466. Epub 2016 Nov 23. PMID: 27881628; PMCID: PMC5200854.
3. Catenaccio E, Mu W, Kaplan A, Fleysher R, Kim N, Bachrach T, Zughaft Sears M, Jaspan O, Caccese J, Kim M, Wagshul M, Stewart WF, Lipton RB, Lipton ML. Characterization of Neck Strength in Healthy Young Adults. PM R. 2017 Sep;9(9):884-891. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.01.005. Epub 2017 Feb 5. PMID: 28167302; PMCID: PMC5545075.