Comparing two methods of measuring cervical muscle strength

Abstract

Despite of the evidences that individuals with migraine presents cervical musculoskeletal disorders and that, according with mechanisms of central sensibilization and trigeminocervical convergence, these changes may promote altered muscle activity and motor control of the neck muscles, there is no consistent investigations about this topic available in the literature . The objective of this study will be to compare two methods of neck muscle strength measurement: the Multi Cervical Rehabilitation Unit (MCU) and the hand-held dynamometer. Thirty participants will be divided into 2 groups: migraine and control group, without migraine. Neck muscle strength will be measured in flexion, extension and right and left lateral inclination. It is expected an acceptable agreement the two methods, since one of the methods has a lower cost and better applicability in clinical practice. (AU)