Effect of horizontal pushing and pulling exertions on neck muscle activity

Abstract

In this study the effect of horizontal pushing and pulling exertions on the activity of major neck muscles, sternocleidomastoid and cervical trapezius, was studied biomechanically by using electromyography (EMG). Twenty-two (11 males and 11 females) healthy individuals participated in this study. Each participant performed constrained horizontal pushing and pulling exertions, in a seated posture, exerting 25%, 50%, and 75% of their respective maximum strengths. The activity of the neck muscles increased with the increase in the pushing and pulling force. The direction of force application had a minimal effect on the activation of neck muscles. The effect of gender on the activity of the neck muscles was significant. Female participants used sternocleidomastoid muscle to a significantly greater extent than male participants. A significantly higher activation of cervical trapezius muscle was observed for male participants than female participants.