Cervical Multifidus Muscle Activity During Whiplash and Startle
Author Information
Author(s): Siegmund Gunter P, Blouin Jean-Sébastien, Carpenter Mark G, Brault John R, Inglis J Timothy
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
Does reflex activation of the cervical multifidus muscle contribute to straining the facet capsular ligament during whiplash?
Conclusion
The study found that the cervical multifidus muscles are active in response to both postural and startle stimuli, suggesting they may contribute to whiplash injuries.
Supporting Evidence
- Eight out of nine subjects exhibited multifidus activity after both stimuli.
- Multifidus activity appeared within 160 ms of stimulus onset in seven subjects.
- Onset latencies and amplitudes varied widely among subjects.
Takeaway
The muscles in your neck can react quickly when you get startled or in a car crash, which might make neck injuries worse.
Methodology
Electromyographic (EMG) electrodes were inserted into the cervical multifidus muscles of 9 subjects, who were then exposed to a simulated rear-end collision and a loud acoustic stimulus.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the authors' affiliations with a forensic consulting company.
Limitations
The small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
9 subjects (6 males, 3 females), average age 30 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p > 0.13
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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