Relationship between deep neck flexor endurance and hand grip strength in asymptomatic individuals

TITLE:  Relationship between deep neck flexor endurance and hand grip strength in asymptomatic individuals.

AIM: To study the relationship between deep neck flexor endurance and hand grip strength in asymptomatic individuals.

OBJECTIVES:

1.To assess deep neck flexor endurance using the deep neck flexor endurance test.

 2.To assess hand grip strength using the hand-held dynamometer.

NEED OF STUDY:

•The deep neck flexors are mainly identified as the longus colli and longus capitis. These muscles play an important role in maintaining posture and stability of neck.

Weakness of these muscles have a significant impact on cervical spine function.

•Hand grip strength is necessary for various activities of daily living including heavy work and fine motor skills. It provides an objective index of the functional integrity of the upper extremity. [4]

•Previous studies suggest that weakness of deep cervical flexors causes neck pain and patients having non specific neck pain have reported a reduced hand grip strength.

•Thus, neck pain is a factor that leads to a reduced hand grip strength in individuals with neck pain.

However, whether there are any relationship exists between deep neck flexor endurance and hand grip strength in asymptomatic individuals needs to be investigated.

•In essence, this study can contribute to the existing literature by filling gaps in understanding the significance between deep cervical flexor endurance and hand grip strength.

Examining these two components could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system.

HYPOTHESIS

NULL HYPOTHESIS: There will be no relationship between deep neck flexor endurance and hand grip strength in asymptomatic individuals.

ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS: There will be a relationship between deep neck flexor endurance and hand grip strength in asymptomatic individuals.

OUTCOME MEASURES

1.Deep Neck Flexor (DNF)

Endurance Test

2.Hand Grip Strength

PROCEDURE-

1.Deep Neck Flexor (DNF) Endurance Test:

Inter rater reliability (ICC) of DNF Endurance Test is 0.82-.91

For this test to be performed, the patient lies in hook lying position. The patient is then instructed to maximally retract the chin and lift the head and neck until the head is round about 2.5cm or 1 inch above the couch. The patient is asked to hold this position as long as he can and the length of time will be measured using a stopwatch. The test will end either when the line along patient neck starts to isolate or the patient head touches the examiner hand for more than one second.[6]

2.Hand Grip Strength: Hand grip strength will be assessed using the hand held dynamometer.  The subjects will be seated with their shoulder adducted and neutrally rotated, elbow flexed at 90°, forearm and wrist in neutral position. Subjects will be asked to hold dynamometer in their dominant hand, at their side without touching rest of the body, and squeeze it forcefully. Three trials will be given, and the mean of the three trial will be calculated and taken as mean grip strength. [4]

 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS-

•Voluntary participation will be ensured.

•Informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrolment.

•Participants will be explained about the purpose of the study.

•Research participants wont be harmed in any way.

•Patient/ Participant’s privacy and confidentiality will be ensured.