Postural Correction in Persons with Neck Pain (II. Integrated Electromyography of the Upper Trapezius in Three Simulated Neck Positions).

In the previous paper (Enwemeka, Bonet, Ingle, et al. 8:235-239, 1986) we showed that patients with neck pain and spasm of the upper trapezius often assume a forward head position, and that two neck positions, axial extension, and neutral neck position are frequently used by physical therapists to correct this faulty neck posture. Because there is no scientific basis for recommending either of the two corrective neck positions, we simulated the three neck positions in 10 normal adults and compared the integrated electromyography (IEMG) of the upper trapezius to determine if the muscle shows less activity in any of the two corrective positions. The results showed significantly less IEMG of the upper trapezius in each of the two corrective neck positions than in the faulty neck position (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the IEMGs recorded in the two corrective neck positions (p > 0.10). The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed along with suggestions for future studies. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1986;8(5):240-242.