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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Clinimetric evaluation of methods to measure muscle functioning in patients with non-specific neck pain: a systematic review

Authors: Chantal HP de Koning, Sylvia P van den Heuvel, J Bart Staal, Bouwien CM Smits-Engelsman, Erik JM Hendriks

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

Neck pain is a significant health problem in modern society. There is evidence to suggest that neck muscle strength is reduced in patients with neck pain. This article provides a critical analysis of the research literature on the clinimetric properties of tests to measure neck muscle strength or endurance in patients with non-specific neck pain, which can be used in daily practice.

Methods

A computerised literature search was performed in the Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases from 1980 to January 2007. Two reviewers independently assessed the clinimetric properties of identified measurement methods, using a checklist of generally accepted criteria for reproducibility (inter- and intra-observer reliability and agreement), construct validity, responsiveness and feasibility.

Results

The search identified a total of 16 studies. The instruments or tests included were: muscle endurance tests for short neck flexors, craniocervical flexion test with an inflatable pressure biofeedback unit, manual muscle testing of neck musculature, dynamometry and functional lifting tests (the cervical progressive iso-inertial lifting evaluation (PILE) test and the timed weighted overhead test). All the articles included report information on the reproducibility of the tests. Acceptable intra- and inter-observer reliability was demonstrated for t enduranctest for short neck flexors and the cervical PILE test. Construct validity and responsiveness have hardly been documented for tests on muscle functioning.

Conclusion

The endurance test of the short neck flexors and the cervical PILE test can be regarded as appropriate instruments for measuring different aspects of neck muscle function in patients with non-specific neck pain. Common methodological flaws in the studies were their small sample size and an inappropriate description of the study design.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Clinimetric evaluation of methods to measure muscle functioning in patients with non-specific neck pain: a systematic review
Authors
Chantal HP de Koning
Sylvia P van den Heuvel
J Bart Staal
Bouwien CM Smits-Engelsman
Erik JM Hendriks
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-9-142

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