New Testing & Training System for the Neck: The Multi-Cervical Unit (Interview with Andreas Rooker)
(translated to English from original story found on speed-magazin.de)
The muscles of the neck undergo a high amount of stress when drivers are racing at full speed. The higher the speed, the number and degree of turns, and condition of the roadway can significantly compound the loads. It is necessary to prepare the appropriate training program for the individual racing driver by as “goal-exact” an analysis as possible, strengthening the musculature within the neck range of motion. So far such an analysis was limited only to manual or hand held devices, lacking good stabilization, and therefore relatively subjective and difficult to reproduce. With the development of the MCU (Multi-Cervical Unit) it will provide a degree-exact evaluation of the neck spinal column. This new equipment will be introduced 2008 to Germany, and had we therefore some questions for Andreas Rooker, Sport Scientist, from the company, Proxomed Medizintechnik, based in Alzenau, Germany.
With the development of the MCU you put multi-function equipment at the disposal of physicians, sports scientists, and physiotherapists, which offers at one time equal 3 functions to the physician. Tell us which that exactly meant.
Andreas Rooker: The software-supported system Multi-Cervical Unit was developed for the standardized tests and the conversion of a purposeful training of the neck spinal column. By the development of many years beyond the borders of the USA a product was brought on the market, which can measure and train in every three planes of movement frontally (side to side), sagittal (front to back) and transverse (rotation). In addition, the system permits the force measurement from different positions in the rotation, in order to receive a detailed statement the strength into the directions of motion. The data are described and presented for the physician, insurer, patient, and therapist, with reference data and side differences in a comprehensive report. The test data relevant for training to a dynamic force training program are then calculated by the software so a customized strength training program can be developed.
Periodic testing and evaluation ensure that progress is being made and to justify continued training if needed.
Successes of an active training of the neck spinal column are documented in numerous investigations. Above all, the Melbourne Whiplash Centre in Melbourne, Australia (Keating, DeNardis 2005) shows clear successes in the early treatment of Whiplash Associated Disorders and Chronic Neck Pain.
How was such an analysis before the MCU provided?
Andreas Rooker: Measurements of the neck spinal column were classified in the past as problematic due to missing knowledge. Today's level of knowledge proves however that the Cervical Spine muscles, just as with all other joints, require purposeful and functional testing and not just the subjective complaints of the subject. Success of studies and other training programs point to the development of injury specific treatment and training programs. So the same is the philosophy that affirms the necessity for a purposeful training therapy for the neck spinal column. In the past very subjective manual tests (ex. Janda) without assistance of a measuring system were accomplished.
For which kinds of sport the employment of MCU is recommended particularly, and why?
Andreas Rooker: Many kinds of sport require a high requirement at muscular stability and mobility of the neck spinal column, since these kinds of sporst introduce either complete body movements or must catch and/or adjust a multiple of the weight of the head. By acceleration forces in the different kinds of sport in addition, with everyday loads/dangers the musculature of the cervical spine must adjust a multiple of the loads and forces. Additional vibrations can make the load more difficult.
In the following a short overview of the most important types of sports to consider neck muscle evaluation:
- Auto Road Racing (Formula 1, GP2, Motorcycle, open/closed wheel): high acceleration/decceleration forces with additional load of the helmet.
- Offroad (car, motorcycle): high acceleration forces with additional load of the helmet and additional vibration due to unevenness of road.
- Motor Boat Racing: high acceleration/decelleration forces with additional load of the helmet while crashing into waves.
- Athletics: Acceleration forces jumping, landing, collisions during Football, Basketball, Boxing, Wrestling, Gymnastics, Diving, etc.
- Further activities:
o Pilots of supersonic aircraft.
o Centrifuge trauma with car accidents.
o High load of the office activities by musculature degeneration.
Where in Germany do interested engine sportsmen already find the MCU?
Andreas Rooker: The mark entrance into Europe is planned starting from 2008. Currently, there is an MCU - sample position in an ambulatory therapy facility, which specialized in the engine sportmen at the Sportklinik at Bad Nauheim. To request further information, contact Proxomed Medizintechnik at MCU@proxomed.com.
