Comparison of methods of measuring active cervical range of motion.
METHODS
Experimental study. Cervical range of motion (CROM) was measured using different clinical methods.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the reliability and accuracy of visual estimation, tape measurement, and the universal goniometer (UG) with that of the CROM goniometer in measuring active CROM in healthy volunteers. The secondary objective was to identify the single neck movement that best represents overall range of motion.


BACKGROUND
Neck movement is affected by pathology in the spine and shoulder. A reliable and accurate measurement of neck movement is required to quantify injury, recovery, and disability. Various methods of measuring neck movement have been described of which radiography remains the accepted reference standard. However, radiography is impractical for routine clinical assessment. Visual estimation, tape measurement, and the UG are convenient alternatives. To date, the accuracy and reliability of these methods have not been compared in healthy subjects, and the single neck movement that best reflects overall range has not yet been identified.


METHODS
Active cervical flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion and rotation were measured in 100 healthy volunteers. Visual estimation, tape measurement between fixed landmarks, and the UG aligned on fixed and anatomic landmarks were compared with the CROM goniometer, which was used as the reference standard.


RESULTS
Compared with the CROM goniometer, the UG aligned on fixed landmarks was the most accurate method, followed by the UG on anatomic landmarks. The reliability of the UG was between substantial and perfect. Visual estimation was reproducible but measured range of movement inaccurately. Tape measurement was inaccurate. Extension best reflected overall range.


CONCLUSIONS
The UG aligned on a fixed landmark is most reliable method of measuring neck movement clinically. Where range must be quickly assessed, extension should be measured.
Whitcroft
Katherine L
KL
University of Bristol, Department of Orthopaedic, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Massouh
Laura
L
Amirfeyz
Rouin
R
Bannister
Gordon
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D053587:Arthrometry, Articular; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D010808:Physical Examination; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult