Özet:

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to document the characteristics of ventral neck flexor muscle endurance (NMFE) and compare the endurance time to some anthropometric measurements due to genders in healthy young adult population.  Materials and Methods: Measurements were taken from 185 medical students (104 males - 81 females) aged between 18-22yrs. Neck flexor (NF) endurance was measured with clinic endurance test, CROM (cervical range of motion) and head posture measurements were taken with CROM device and cervical physical performance was determined with progressive isoinertial lifting evaluation test (PILE). Neck pain and disability level were evaluated with the neck disability index (NDI).  Results: Cervical range of motion and the NDI score were found significantly higher in females than in males. When the activity level increased, endurance time and PILE test components increased, however there was a weak correlation between endurance time and ROMs. Finally, it was observed that there was a relationship between NF muscle endurance and the NDI, range of motion (ROM), physical performance - activity level and lifestyle.  Conclusion: It could provide important information to performance and endurance exercise studies program. Also, they may be helpful to assign patients to appropriate and most beneficial treatment programs, as well as to develop specific programs.