Abstract
We investigated the effect of neck dimension upon cervical range of movement. Data relating to 100 subjects healthy subjects aged between 20 and 40yrs was recorded with respect to age, gender and ranges of movement in three planes. Additionally two commonly used methods of measuring neck motion, chin-sternal distance and uniplanar goniometer, were assessed against a validated measurement tool the CROM goniometer (Performance Attainment Associates, Roseville, MN).
Using multiple linear regression analysis it was determined that sagittal flexion (P= 0.0021) and lateral rotation (P< 0.0001) were most closely related to neck circumference alone whereas lateral flexion (P< 0.0001) was most closely related to a ratio of circumference and length. The uniplanar goniometer has some usefulness when assessing neck motion, comparing favourably to chin-sternal distance that has almost no role.
Neck dimension should be incorporated into cervical functional assessment. One should be wary about recorded values for neck motion from non-validated measurement tools.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Sue Woodward, Secreteriat, Britspine, Vale Clinic, Hensol Park, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY Wales.
