Cervical extensor muscle activity during neck tasks in individuals with and without neck pain: A systematic review.

Background: In the context of neck pain, neck muscle activity adapts through diverse regional coordination modifications during tasks. Although patterns of cervical flexor muscle impairment are well-documented, patterns in the cervical extensor muscles are less clear, hindering assessment and treatment. Despite studies revealing adaptations in the cervical extensor muscles, outcome measure heterogeneity complicates interpretation, particularly between superficial and deep muscles.

Clinical Value and Reliability of Quantitative Assessments of Lumbosacral Nerve Root Using Diffusion Tensor and Diffusion Weighted MR Imaging: A Systematic Review.

Background: Lumbosacral radicular pain diagnosis remains challenging. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) have potential to quantitatively evaluate symptomatic nerve root, which may facilitate diagnosis.

Purpose: To determine the ability of DTI and DWI metrics, namely fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), to discriminate between healthy and symptomatic lumbosacral nerve roots, to evaluate the association between FA and ADC values and patient symptoms, and to determine FA and ADC reliability.