Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Volume 29, Issue 5 , Pages 363-367, June 2006

Reproducibility of the Measurement of Active and Passive Cervical Range of Motion

  • Mirrin Hoppenbrouwers, PT

      Affiliations

    • Hogeschool Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  • ,
  • Martine M.E.M. Eckhardt

      Affiliations

    • Hogeschool Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
    • Corresponding Author InformationSubmit requests for reprints to: Martine MMEM Eckhardt, Rochussenstraat 728, 3015 ZG Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
  • ,
  • Karin Verkerk, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Hogeschool Rottterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  • ,
  • Arianne Verhagen, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Epidemiologist and Senior Researcher at the Department of General Practice, Erasmus Medical Centre, University Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Received 3 June 2005; received in revised form 22 November 2005

Abstract 

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility of tests for the active and passive range of motion used in the physical examination for patients with neck pain. The secondary aim was to determine whether the history of the patients influences the reproducibility and the prevalence of positive findings.

Methods

Sixty-nine participants were recruited in 3 physical therapy practices. Two examiners independently performed a physical examination on all participants. The examiners were blinded for patient characteristics (neck pain/no neck pain) and each other's findings. History findings were available for only half the patients with neck pain. Cohen's κ was used to express reproducibility.

Results

The reproducibility for active and passive range of motion was moderate (κ = 0.52 and 0.54, respectively), but a wide range in κ scores was found. Extension of the neck showed good reproducibility for both active and passive movements (κ = 0.88 and 0.85), whereas lateral flexion showed poor reproducibility (κ = 0.35 and 0.33). Knowledge of history had no influence on the reproducibility and prevalence of positive findings.

Conclusion

The reproducibility for active and passive range of motion is moderate. Knowledge of the patient's history did not influence the reproducibility and prevalence of positive findings.

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PII: S0161-4754(06)00086-8

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.04.007

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Volume 29, Issue 5 , Pages 363-367, June 2006