Eccentric training for the prevention of injuries in the neck-shoulder region

ISRCTN ISRCTN16080194
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN16080194
Secondary identifying numbers N/A
Submission date
11/01/2013
Registration date
13/02/2013
Last edited
13/02/2013
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a training program based on eccentric exercises of the shoulder and neck muscles. Eccentric exercises are characterized by the following: the muscle that is trained is extended, while it is producing power. Previous studies have shown that exercise can reduce the pain intensity in people with neck/shoulder disorders. However, the effects of this type of exercise on the neuro-muscular system are unclear. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the effects of eccentric exercise. This will in turn enable to define better treatment strategy for the prevention of neck/shoulder disorders.

Who can participate?
Healthy men and women with no previous disorders in the neck-shoulder region.

What does the study involve?
Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: a training group and a control group (no training). Subjects in the training group perform strength training for 5 weeks, twice a week. Each training session will last 30 to 60 minutes and take place at the Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg (Denmark). Both groups will be tested in three sessions: before the start of training, after 3 weeks of training and after completion of the training (approx. 2 hours per session). At these sessions, electrical stimuli are applied to the neck region (not painful). The maximum strength in the neck and shoulder muscles will be also be measured.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
After completion of the training program it is expected that subjects will experience an improvement, which can positively influence their health and wellbeing.
The new knowledge gained which be able to contribute to the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.
There are no known serious risks with the methods employed in the present study, which are routinely used at the Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction and at a lot of other research institutions throughout the world.

Where is the study run from?
Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg (Denmark).

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The project will run from November 2012 to May 2013.

Who is funding the study?
Aalborg University (Denmark)
Rheumatism Association (Gigtforeningen) (Denmark)
The Ministry of Culture, Committee on Sports Research (Denmark)
The Danish Council for Independent Research, Technology and Production Sciences (Denmark)

Who is the main contact
PhD student Steffen Vangsgaard, sv@hst.aau.dk
Professor Pascal Madeleine, pm@hst.aau.dk

Contact information

Prof Pascal Madeleine
Scientific

Aalborg University
Dept. Health Science and Technology
Fredrik Bajers 7D
9220
9220
Denmark

Email pm@hst.aau.dk

Study information

Study designRandomised controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Other
Study typePrevention
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleNeuromusculuar adaptations after 5 weeks of intensive eccentric neck-shoulder training: A randomised controlled trial
Study objectivesParticipants in the training group will have:
1. Increased strength
2. Higher H reflex amplitudes, and
3. Different activation of neck-shoulder muscles compared to a control group after the training intervention.
Ethics approval(s)The North Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics, Denmark, July 2012, ref: N-20120036
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedMusculoskeletal disorders
InterventionSubjects randomised to the training group will train 2 times per week for 5 weeks of intensive eccentric training for the neck-shoulder muscles.

Participants randomised to the control group will not train.

The intervention will last 5 weeks.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measure1. Muscle strength, measured using a dynamometer and assessed three times: before intervention, after 2 weeks, and after the intervention period.
2. H reflex amplitude, elicited by electrical stimulation and measured three times: before intervention, after 2 weeks, and after the intervention period.
3. Muscle activity and coordination, measured by surface electromyography [EMG] and assessed three times: before intervention, after 2 weeks, and after the intervention period.
Secondary outcome measures1. Muscle soreness, measured by visual analogue scale [VAS] and assessed before each training session
2. Compliance, measured at each training session
Overall study start date01/11/2012
Completion date01/05/2013

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants30
Key inclusion criteriaHealthy men and women between 18 and 40 years old
Key exclusion criteria1. Current or previous pain in the neck/shoulder/arm
2. Regular strength training within 12 months before the study
3. Consumption of alcohol or pain-relieving drugs 24h prior to the experiment
4. Pregnancy
5. Hypertension (>160/>100 mmHg) and heart diseases
6. Addictive or previous addictive behavior defined as the abuse of cannabis, opioids or other drugs
7. Previous neurological or mental disorders
8. Inability to cooperate
Date of first enrolment01/11/2012
Date of final enrolment01/05/2013

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Denmark

Study participating centre

Aalborg University
9220
9220
Denmark

Sponsor information

Aalborg University (Denmark)
University/education

Dept. of Health Science and Technology
Fredrik Bajers 7 D
Aalborg East
9220
Denmark

Website http://www.smi.hst.aau.dk
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/04m5j1k67

Funders

Funder type

University/education

Aalborg University (Denmark)
Private sector organisation / Universities (academic only)
Alternative name(s)
Aalborg University, AAU
Location
Denmark
Rheumatism Association (Gigtforeningen) (Denmark)

No information available

The Ministry of Culture, Committee on Sports Research (Denmark)

No information available

The Danish Council for Independent Research, Technology and Production Sciences (Denmark) (ref: 10092821)

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan