Reliability of measuring half-cycle cervical range of motion may be increased using a spirit level for calibration. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilke, Jan; Niederer, Daniel; Vogt, Lutz; Banzer, Winfried
• Is Part Of: Musculoskeletal science and practice. Volume 33(2018)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Flexibility -- Neck -- Cervical spine -- Ultrasound; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics); Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment; Physical therapy; Manipulation, Orthopedic; Musculoskeletal Diseases -- therapy; Neuromuscular Diseases -- therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.08.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-8630

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Assessments of range of motion (ROM) represent an essential part of clinical diagnostics. Ultrasonic movement analyses have been demonstrated to provide reliable results when analyzing complete amplitudes (e.g., flexion-extension). However, due to subjective determination of the starting position, the assessment of half-cycle movements (e.g, flexion only) is less reproducible. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the reliability of measuring half-cycle cervical ROM using a spirit level for calibration. Method: 20 healthy subjects (30 ± 12yrs, 7♂, 13♀) participated in the randomized, controlled, cross-over trial. In two testing sessions with one week of wash-out in between, cervical ROM was measured by means of an ultrasonic 3D movement analysis system using a test-retest design (baseline and 5 min post baseline). The sessions differed with reference to the mask carrying the ultrasound markers. It was removed during the 5 min break (mask off) or not (mask on). To determine the resting position, a bull's eye spirit level was used in each measurement. Results: With ICC values of 0.90–0.98 (mask on, p < 0.001) and 0.90 to 0.97 (mask off, p < 0.001), both examined conditions demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability for separating the cycles regarding all movement planes. Conclusion: Cervical ROM during half-cycle movements can be assessed with excellent reliability using a spirit level. In contrast to subjective determination of the starting position, analyzing complete movement planes does not increase reliability. Using a defined and objective zero positioning allows the evaluation of repositioning tasks.