Evolving Dynamics of Neck Muscle Activation Patterns in Dental Students: A Longitudinal Study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Musculoskeletal Research
• Dental Education

Background:

• Cervical pain is often associated with altered motor unit activity.
• Understanding muscle activation changes in students during clinical training is crucial for preventing chronic neck pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare changes in cervical superficial muscle activation patterns in dental students with and without neck pain during their first semester of clinical training.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for group allocation (neck pain vs. control).
• Recorded surface electromyography (sEMG) of sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles.
• Assessed muscle activation during a cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT) at varying pressure levels before and after the first semester.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed decreased sternocleidomastoid activation post-semester.
• The neck pain group exhibited increased upper trapezius coactivation, unlike the control group.
• Muscle activation patterns in asymptomatic students remained largely unchanged.

Conclusions:

• Dental students' clinical training led to decreased superficial flexor activity.
• Neck pain in students was associated with increased upper trapezius coactivation, potentially for stabilization.
• Altered muscle activation patterns may indicate dysfunction and contribute to the chronicity of neck pain.