Strength Isometric Test: Neck Extension

Here's how you can test neck extension 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 extension 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 muscle meter.

5. Recording the Result:

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

6. Repeat if Necessary:

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

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. Peek, K. (2022). The measurement of neck strength: A guide for sports medicine clinicians. Physical Therapy in Sport, 55, 282-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.05.006.
2. McKay, M. J., Baldwin, J. N., Ferreira, P., Simic, M., Vanicek, N., Burns, J., & Consortium, N. P. (2017). Normative reference values for strength and flexibility of 1,000 children and adults. Neurology, 88(1), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000003466.
3. Versteegh, T., Beaudet, D., Greenbaum, M., Hellyer, L., Tritton, A., & Walton, D. (2015). Evaluating the Reliability of a Novel Neck-Strength Assessment Protocol for Healthy Adults Using Self-Generated Resistance with a Hand-Held Dynamometer. Physiotherapy Canada, 67(1), 58-64. https://doi.org/10.3138/ptc.2013-66