Factors Affecting Prolonged Neck and Shoulder Pain (Katakori) in Female Adolescents: Focus on Maximal Voluntary Contraction and Endurance of Neck Flexor and Extensor Muscles and Neck Disability Index (NDI)

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting prolonged neck and shoulder pain (NSP) in female adolescents. [Participants and Methods] Forty young female subjects (prolonged NSP group, n=20; asymptomatic control group, n=20; average age 21 years old) were recruited for this study. Measurements of muscle endurance and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the neck flexors and extensors were made. Cervical function was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). [Results] There were significant differences in the cervical muscle endurance and NDI scores of the two groups. However, there was no significant differences in the MVC of cervical muscles between the two groups. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that cervical muscle endurance may be a good predictor of the presence of prolonged NSP. They also indicate that prolonged NSP is not only a symptom of the neck/shoulder region, but may also affect neck function.