Measurement Properties of the Upper Extremity Functional Index in Patients Presenting with Chronic Neck Pain

Neck pain is extremely common and can result from several musculoskeletal

diagnoses. Neck pain not only affects the patient’s ability to perform tasks that involve

movement of the spinal column, but also affects the tasks that demand optimal upper

extremity functions. Traditionally, physical therapists have assessed disability in chronic neck

pain (CNP) patients using Neck Disability Index (NDI), which is a 10-item outcome measure

designed to assess the impact on neck functions. However, no outcome measure that is

designed to assess the impact on upper extremity functions has been tested for its utility in

CNP patients.

Objective: The proposed study is aimed at assessing the measurement properties of the

Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) in patients with CNP. In particular, the study will

examine the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and responsiveness for the UEFI in

patients presenting to an outpatient physical therapy clinic with CNP.

Methods: Patients presenting with CNP to the physiotherapy OPD of KEM Hospital will be

approached for participation in the study. Subjects will be chosen as per the inclusion and

exclusion criteria and informed written consent will be taken. The purpose and procedure of

the study will be explained to all subjects in detail in the language they understand. If

participants agree to participate in the study, they will undergo assessment at different time

points. Sociodemographic data (Case Record Form) will be assessed. All data will be

collected by registered physical therapists. The data collected will be analysed statistically.

Clinical Relevance: It is well-understood that patients with CNP experience disability in

upper extremity functions as well. However, current physical therapy assessment

approaches do not address the measurement of upper extremity disability in these patients.

The proposed research will determine whether the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI),

a very common measure for assessing upper extremity disability, is useful in assessing upper

extremity disability in patients with CNP.