title: The craniocervical flexion test: an investigation of performance in young asymptomatic subjects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Deep Cervical Flexors (DCFs) provide support and segmental stability to the cervical spine. However, their endurance capacity can be reduced in cervicogenic disorders. The Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT) is regarded as the most effective means of assessing the contractile performance of these muscles. However, limited normative data exists to serve as a reference point during diagnosis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study examined CCFT performance in a group of young asymptomatic subjects and investigated the influence of physical activity levels, age and gender on CCFT score.
  
  
  METHODS
  The most recent CCFT protocol as described by Jull et al. (2008) was used. Baseline assessment scores along with certain patient characteristics were recorded on one occasion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For testing, 34 asymptomatic subjects were recruited (24 females, 10 males with a mean age of 21.5 ± 2.15 years). The median baseline assessment score was 24 mmHg (interquartile range = 3). Physical activity levels, age or gender did not significantly correlate with DNF endurance (P > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Median Baseline Assessment score was 24 mmHg (interquartile range = 3). Between-subject variability was high while physical activity levels; age or gender did not appear to influence the DCF muscle tonic holding capacity. The small heterogeneous sample involved in this study highlights the need for high quality normative studies to validate these findings.
authors.affiliation: Trinity College Dublin Discipline of Physiotherapy, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland. kellym19@tcd.ie
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cardy
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Melvin
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reddin
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires