Content area
Full Text
ABSTRACT
Background: Poor postural performance is observed in patients suffering from neck pain and following Whiplash injuries. Fatigued muscles following the neck pathology are unable to transmit somatosensory information to the central nervous system, and hence upright postural control may be compromised. Hence there is need to investigate neck muscles fatigue and balance.
Objectives: 1. To assess the dynamic endurance of neck extensors till fatigue sets in.
2. To study the postural control pre and post fatigue in neck extensors.
Methods: 50 healthy students participated in the study. Balance assessment was done on balance master with modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance. Fatigue was induced in neck extensor muscles using pressure biofeedback apparatus in supine position. The posturographic data of sway velocity was obtained pre and post fatigue & analyzed with paired't' test.
Results: Postural sway velocities in mCTSIB test showed significant difference after inducing fatigue in neck extensors (mean 0.14+0.22, P<0.00l)
Conclusion: It is speculated that from the fatigued neck muscles, altered sensory input leading to abnormal central processing may compromise balance, thereby reflecting a notable change in postural sway.
Keywords: Fatigues, Postural Control, Sway Velocity.
INTRODUCTION
Balance, both literally and figuratively, is one of the most important concepts and functions in life. Historically balance has not been considered a critical factor in rehabilitation of orthopedic patients or perhaps the impact of these deficits on high-level functional outcomes had not been sufficiently documented. Yet balance deficits in orthopedic patients exist are often persistent, impede the return of normal function and increase the risk of re-injury.1
The crucial role of the sensory systems and the brain in producing skilled, co-ordinated movement is recognized by orthopedic physical therapist as evidenced by closed chain testing and training.1,2
Neuromuscular re-education is necessary for efficient co-ordinated movement, which in turn is necessary for skilled function on the job or on the playing field.1,2,3
Balance a highly integrative process involving multiple afferent pathways, depends on somatosensory, visual and vestibular inputs for the reception of intrinsic (body) and extrinsic (environment) information.
The brain for the integration of this information and the formation of a motor plan and musculoskeletal system for the production of adequate movements to execute the plan. Problems in any of these areas can lead...