Cervical Kinematics' Reliability: Zero Positioning Using a 3-D-bulls Eye Spirit Level

The measurement of cervical spine range of motion (ROM) figures among the most common aspects of clinical diagnosis. Good reliability has been demonstrated for assessments using ultrasonic movement analysis systems, such as Zebris CMS 70 (Isny, Germany). However, in contrast to combined measurements of movement amplitudes (e.g., flexion plus extension in the sagittal plane), separating the respective components provides less reliable results. Current research suggest that this is due to the participants' determination of the zero position. This position is influenced by possible disposed treatments and, in particular, by the subject in case of subjective determination. The present study therefore aims to examine the test-retest reliability of separate ROM assessments using a bulls eye spirit meter.

Twenty healthy participants will be included in the trial that adopts a two-armed randomized, crossover design. With a washout-period of one week in between, each subject participates in two sessions in a randomised order. In both sessions, cervical ROM (flexion/extension, rotation, lateral flexion) will be measured twice (with a five-minute wait period). In all measurements, the zero position will be determined by means of a bulls eye spirit level. The difference of the two sessions consists in the design of the waiting period. In one session, the subjects will keep the mask carrying the ultrasound markers on their head. In the other session, the mask will be removed during the break.