Active lateral neck flexion range of motion measurements obtained with a modified goniometer: reliability and estimates of normal.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a new method for measuring lateral neck flexion range of motion (ROM), document the reliability of the method and present estimates of normal.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-five subjects ranging in age from 14-95 yr. Two physical therapists with 13 and 2 yr of experience, respectively, served as testers.


METHODS
Measurement of active lateral neck flexion ROM using a universal goniometer modified by the placement of a portion of a small paper clip through the axis. The goniometer arms were aligned with the subject's nose, and the free-swinging paper clip (pendulum) was used as a marker. The more experienced therapist measured lateral flexion of 100 subjects to establish intratester reliability and estimates of normal. Both therapists measured 35 subjects to determine intertester reliability.


METHODS
Degrees of lateral neck flexion.


RESULTS
Intraclass correlation coefficients for intratester reliability exceeded 0.90. Coefficients for intertester reliability were 0.86 and 0.65. ROM decreased with increasing age.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified goniometer is inexpensive, easy to use and can yield high intratester reliability and satisfactory intertester reliability. The estimates of normal provide preliminary values with which a patient's lateral neck flexion ROM can be compared.
Division of Health Professions, College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, University of Hartford, CT, USA.
G L
GL
Pellecchia
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Bohannon
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000502:physiology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012016:Reference Values