Musculoskeletal science & practice, Volume 67, 21 3 2023, Pages 102861 Measurement properties of a computer adaptive device, the Senscoordination 3D Cervical Trainer, to assess cervical range of motion in people with neck pain. Thoomes E, Cleland JA, Falla D, de Pauw R, Maissan F, de Graaf M

Introduction

Clinicians commonly assess cervical range of motion (ROM) in patients with neck pain. Recently, a new instrument has been developed, the Senscoordination 3D Cervical Trainer (SCT), designed to measure neck ROM in addition to joint position error, static and dynamic balance performance, and performance on a 'neuro muscular control test'. This study aims to assess the interrater reliability, concurrent validity, and responsiveness of the SCT using the CROM device as a comparator.

Methods

One hundred patients with non-specific neck pain were included and their active cervical ROM was measured in a random order by two raters in succession using both devices simultaneously at baseline and after personalised physiotherapy management, at 12 week follow up. Convergent validity and responsiveness were quantified by a Pearson correlation coefficient. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to calculate the test-retest reliability of the SCT. The smallest detectable change (SDC) was calculated per movement direction and for the total range of motion.

Results

The correlation between the measures obtained with the CROM device and the SCT was high (0.97 or 0.98 depending on direction of movement). Interrater reliability was high for all directions (ICC ranging from 0.81 to 0.97). The SDC ranged from 6.9 for left cervical rotation to 12.2 for right cervical rotation. At the follow up, correlation between the change score on the CROM device and the SCT was high (0.86-0.94 depending on the direction of movement).

Conclusion

The SCT is a valid, reliable and responsive instrument for measuring cervical ROM.

Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2023 9;67:102861