Manual therapy
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The aim of this study was to obtain normative ultrasonography (US) data on the suprascapular nerve (SSN) and omohyoid muscle (OM) in the lateral cervical region. The SSN and OM are known to be related throughout the nerve's course, yet little imaging data exists on these structures at areas more proximal than the suprascapular foramen. US data from a convenience sample of 33 asymptomatic subjects between 21 and 42 years of age were collected. ⋯ Our results show that the SSN nerve CSA is consistent throughout the nerves proximal course. Furthermore, the OM and SSN tend to approximate as they course distally. Future studies with larger samples will better characterize the normal sonoanatomy of these structures between genders and across different ages.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Lumbar spine side bending is reduced in end range extension compared to neutral and end range flexion postures.
Lumbar side bending movements coupled with extension or flexion is a known low back pain (LBP) risk factor in certain groups, for example, athletes participating in sports such as hockey, tennis, gymnastics, rowing and cricket. Previous research has shown that sagittal spinal postures influence the degree of spinal rotation, with less rotation demonstrated at end of range extension and flexion. To date it is unknown whether sagittal spinal postures influence side bending. ⋯ A reduction was found in the range of upper and lower lumbar side bend ROM in an end-range extended posture (p < 0.05), compared to neutral and end range flexion postures. This ROM reduction was found in sitting and standing. These findings allow clinicians to better interpret combined movements involving side bending of the lumbar spine in clinical and real life settings.