Reference Values for Cervical Muscle Strength in Healthy Women Using a Hand-Held Dynamometer and the Association with Age and Anthropometric Variables

Knowledge of reference values for cervical muscle strength is a key tool for clinicians to use as a clinical reference measure and to establish goals during rehabilitation. The objective was to establish reference values for the maximal strength of cervical muscles in healthy women using a handheld dynamometer and verify the association of cervical muscle strength with age and anthropometric measurements. A hundred women were classified into four groups (n = 25) according to age: 18–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years, and 50–60 years. Maximal muscle strength of the cervical spine was measured using a Lafayette(®) handheld dynamometer for flexion, extension, and bilateral lateral flexion. No differences in cervical muscle strength were observed among the groups (p > 0.05). However, the 18–29-year-old group took less time to reach the peak of force for flexion than the 50–60-year-old group. Moderate correlations were observed between cervical flexor strength and weight, body mass index, and neck circumference, and between cervical extensor strength and weight and body mass index (r = 0.43–0.55; p < 0.05). Reference values for cervical muscle strength in healthy women were established using a handheld dynamometer, and the association between muscle strength and anthropometric data was moderate.