Neck pain and cervical spine active range of motion
Intrarater Reliability of CROM Measurement of Cervical Spine Active Range of Motion in Persons With and Without Neck Pain
From: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008 Oct;38(10):640-5
Clinical measurement, intrarater reliability study to determine the intrarater reliability of cervical active range of motion (AROM) measurement of subjects with and without neck pain using the cervical range of motion device (CROM). Cervical spine cervical active range of motion data are used by physical therapists to assist in identifying movement impairment, monitor patient progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention. Presently, insufficient literature exists regarding the intrarater reliability of cervical active range of motion measurements using the cervical range of motion device. Twenty-five adult subjects without neck pain and 22 adult subjects with neck pain volunteered for the study. Two trials of cervical active range of motion measurement (6 movements) were performed for each subject. Practice sessions, methods of measurement, and rest time between trials were standardized; order of measurement was randomized.
The intraclass correlation coefficients for the subjects without neck pain ranged from 0.87 for flexion to 0.94 for left rotation. The standard error of the measurement ranged from 2.3 degrees to 4.0 degrees. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the subjects with neck pain ranged from 0.88 for flexion to 0.96 for left rotation. The standard error of the measurement ranged from 2.5 degrees to 4.1 degrees. Minimal detectable change ranged from 5.4 degrees for left rotation in the subjects without neck pain to 9.6 degrees for flexion in the subjects with neck pain.
Intrarater reliability for cervical active range of motion measurement of persons with and without neck pain is sufficient to consider use of the cervical range of motion device in clinical practice, although changes between 5 degrees to 10 degrees are needed to feel confident that a real change in spine mobility has occurred.
