Effect of a cervical support pillow on sternocleidomastoid activity and satisfaction in asymptomatic participants

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the changes in sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) activity when using a cervical support pillow (CSP) and to determine the pillow's effect on satisfaction in asymptomatic participants. [Subjects and Methods] This study followed a cross-over design and the order of the measurements was counterbalanced. Twenty asymptomatic participants were positioned supine for 5 minutes by using either a CSP or a general pillow (GP) while the activity of the SCM was measured using surface electromyography. [Results] The CSP significantly decreased the activity of the SCM compared with the GP, and satisfaction after use of the CSP was significantly greater than that after use of the GP. [Conclusion] This study suggests that the CSP may be effective in preventing unnecessary neck muscle activation during sleep in asymptomatic people.