Sex-related differences in sternocleidomastoid muscle morphology in healthy young adults: A cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging measurement study

Ben D J Migotto; Sandeep Gill; Matthew Sem; Alison K Macpherson; Loriann M Hynes

doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102590

Sex-related differences in sternocleidomastoid muscle morphology in healthy young adults: A cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging measurement study

Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2022 Oct:61:102590. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102590. Epub 2022 May 26.

Authors

Ben D J Migotto¹, Sandeep Gill¹, Matthew Sem¹, Alison K Macpherson², Loriann M Hynes³

Affiliations

¹ Whiplash and Head Injury Prevention/Rehabilitation (WHIPR) Lab, York University, 4700, Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada; School of Kinesiology & Health Science, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
² School of Kinesiology & Health Science, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada; York University Sport Medicine Team, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
³ Whiplash and Head Injury Prevention/Rehabilitation (WHIPR) Lab, York University, 4700, Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada; School of Kinesiology & Health Science, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada; York University Sport Medicine Team, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 35667320
DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102590

Abstract

Background: Changes in sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and volume may contribute to neck-related concussion symptoms and whiplash-associated disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data on healthy SCM morphology can provide information that may lead to targeted treatment protocols.

Objectives: To examine sex-related differences in MRI-based SCM CSA, SCM volume and neck area in healthy young adults, to analyze associations between measurements and participant variables and to assess inter-rater reliability for measurement quantification.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: 13 males and 14 females underwent MRI scans. Slices obtained from C3-C7 were analyzed by three raters. SCM CSA at C4, total SCM volume from C3-C7 and neck area at C4 were quantified. Measurements were calculated as absolute and normalized values by body mass. Multivariable regression was used to analyze associations between normalized measurement values and participant variables. Inter-rater reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results: Females had significantly lower normalized overall average SCM CSA (mean difference 1.3 mm²/kg (95% CI 0.4-2.2, p = 0.006) and total SCM volume (mean difference 140.8 mm3/kg (95% CI 66.1-215.5, p < 0.001) than males. Regression models indicated female sex was associated with lower normalized overall average SCM CSA (p = 0.004) and total SCM volume (p < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability was excellent for SCM CSA (ICC_3,3 = 0.909), SCM volume (ICC_3,3 = 0.910) and neck area (ICC_3,3 = 0.995).

Conclusions: These results enhance our understanding of sex-related differences in SCM morphology and will inform future research and clinical practice related to cervical muscle injury.

Keywords: Cervical spine; Magnetic resonance imaging; Muscle cross-sectional area; Muscle volume; Sternocleidomastoid.

MeSH terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
Male
Neck Muscles* / anatomy & histology
Neck Muscles* / diagnostic imaging
Reproducibility of Results
Whiplash Injuries*
Young Adult