Lateral Neck Flexor Endurance and Hyperlaxity

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The lateral neck flexor endurance test has been proposed to assess for unilateral muscular deficits. It is not known if individuals with hyperlaxity have different muscular endurance than individuals without hyperlaxity.

Detailed Description
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Thirty individuals with systemic hyperlaxity as determined with the Beighton scale will be assessed for lateral neck flexor endurance and compared to age and gender matched controls. Basic demographic information will be collected, and all individuals will report Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Numeric Pain Rating Scales (NPRS) for their neck, as well duration of any neck pain. All participants will then undergo testing of lateral neck flexor muscle endurance, repeated twice on each side. Average hold times will be compared for individuals with hyperlaxity (5 or greater on Beighton scale) and the healthy age and gender matched controls. Analysis will also include covariates of NDI scores, pain scores, and chronicity of symptoms.

Official Title
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Lateral Neck Flexor Endurance in Individuals With and Without Systemic Hyperlaxity

Conditions
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Physical Endurance, Hypermobility, Joint, Muscular Weakness

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: lateral neck flexor endurance test


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: systemic hyperlaxity of 5 or greater on Beighton Index, healthy age/gender matched controls Exclusion Criteria: neck pain that spreads into the arms; whiplash injury within the last 6 weeks; diagnosed neuropathy or other nervous system disorders; a history of spinal surgery in their neck; fibromyalgia; insulin dependent diabetes; involved in legal activity regarding neck pain

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| hyperlaxity<br>30 individuals with systemic hyperlaxity as defined by a score of 5 or greater on the Beighton Hypermobility Scale | Other: lateral neck flexor endurance test<br>* Individuals will maintain the head in a neutral position off the ground in sidelying for as long as possible.<br>|
| control<br>30 healthy, age and gender matched individuals without hyperlaxity | Other: lateral neck flexor endurance test<br>* Individuals will maintain the head in a neutral position off the ground in sidelying for as long as possible.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| lateral neck flexor endurance | maximum hold time | single testing session at enrollment | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Beighton Hyperlaxity Scale | Assessment of systemic hyperlaxity, 0-9 points, higher indicates greater hyperlaxity | at enrollment | 
| Neck Disability Index | Questionnaire assessing impact of neck symptoms on function, 0-100 points, higher score indicates greater disability | at enrollment | 
| Numeric pain rating scale | assessment of neck pain, 0-10 with higher indicating greater levels of pain | at enrollment | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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neck musculature, endurance, tests and measures