Strength Isometric Test: Lateral Flexion

Testing neck lateral flexion isometric strength with a Muscle Meter involves assessing the maximum force or tension that the neck muscles on one side of the neck can generate when contracting isometrically in a lateral (side-to-side) direction. This test can be useful for evaluating the strength of the neck muscles involved in lateral flexion and may be relevant for individuals recovering from neck injuries or participating in activities where neck strength is crucial. Below are the steps to perform this test:

Materials Needed:

1. Muscle Meter: 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 Measurz Muscle Meter:

   • Adjust the muscle meter so that the sensor (the part that measures force) is oriented horizontally, perpendicular to the direction of lateral flexion.

3. Stabilizing the Muscle Meter:

   • The tester (or examiner) should hold the muscle meter against the individual's temple or side of the head on the side being tested with a firm but comfortable grip. Ensure that the sensor remains perpendicular to the direction of lateral flexion.

4. Performing the Test:

   • Instruct the individual to perform a maximal lateral flexion contraction by pushing their head 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 lateral flexion contraction.

6. Repeat if Necessary:

   • It's a good practice 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. Vasavada, Anita N. PhD*; Li, Siping PhD† and; Delp, Scott L. PhD‡. Three-Dimensional Isometric Strength of Neck Muscles in Humans. Spine 26(17):p 1904-1909, September 1, 2001. 
2. Vernon, H. T., Aker, P., Aramenko, M., et al. (1992). Evaluation of neck muscle strength with a modified sphygmomanometer dynamometer: reliability and validity. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 15(6), 343-349. PMID: 1431617.
3. Seng, K. Y., Lee Peter, V. S., & Lam, P. M. (2002). Neck muscle strength across the sagittal and coronal planes: an isometric study. Clinical Biomechanics, 17(7), 545-547. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0268-0033(02)00067-0.