Objective Analysis of Neck Muscle Boundaries for Cervical Dystonia Using Ultrasound Imaging and Deep Learning.

Objective: To provide objective visualization and pattern analysis of neck muscle boundaries to inform and monitor treatment of cervical dystonia.

Methods: We recorded transverse cervical ultrasound (US) images and whole-body motion analysis of sixty-one standing participants (35 cervical dystonia, 26 age matched controls). We manually annotated 3,272 US images sampling posture and the functional range of pitch, yaw, and roll head movements.

Proactive Selective Inhibition Targeted at the Neck Muscles: This Proximal Constraint Facilitates Learning and Regulates Global Control.

While individual muscle function is known, the sensory and motor value of muscles within the whole-body sensorimotor network is complicated. Specifically, the relationship between neck muscle action and distal muscle synergies is unknown. This work demonstrates a causal relationship between regulation of the neck muscles and global motor control.