Developing a Novel, Accessible Method for Estimating Cervical Muscle Volume in Adolescent Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Human Anatomy

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for cervical muscle volume assessment.
• MRI's high cost and time requirements limit its use in many settings.
• Accessible methods for evaluating neck musculature in athletes are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel, accessible model for estimating cervical muscle volume in adolescent athletes.
• To determine if clinically-obtainable variables can accurately predict cervical muscle volume.
• To provide a cost-effective alternative to MRI for muscle volume assessment.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of clinical trial data from 42 adolescent athletes.
• Utilized 78 sets of biomechanics lab measurements and neck MRI scans.
• Developed a multiple linear regression model to predict total cervical muscle volume.

Main Results:

• The final regression model was statistically significant (R2 = 0.7644, p < 0.001).
• Body weight, sex, and neck circumference accurately predicted total cervical muscle volume.
• The model demonstrated high predictive accuracy for cervical muscle volume.

Conclusions:

• A novel, accessible model effectively estimates adolescent cervical muscle volume.
• Body weight, sex, and neck circumference are reliable predictors.
• This model offers a practical alternative to MRI in resource-limited environments.