Exercised induced hypoalgesia (EIH) (reduction in pain) after exercise has been studied in the literature, but no comparisons have been made specifically looking at different types of exercise (isometric/dynamic moving through a range of motion with resistance versus isotonic/applying static resistance to a joint not moving) with neck muscle strengthening. This study will explore to see if one form of exercise is superior to the other in providing EIH.
Another benefit of exercise is improving proprioception (knowing where our body is in space). Again no specific investigation has been done comparing isometric versus isotonic exercises for neck muscles.
Both of these exercises are often prescribed in physical therapy so further understanding the benefits of them can help improve the prescription of exercises for patients.
18-64 years old,
all genders,
healthy individuals with no neck pain
Medical restrictions to physical activity
History of chronic pain (pain > 3 months) or current acute neck pain
Unable to refrain from alcohol, pain medications, and vigorous exercise 24 hours prior to testing