INTRAEXAMINER RELIABILITY OF DETECTING THE CONTRACTION OF SUPERFICIAL CERVICAL FLEXOR MUSCLES DURING CRANIO-CERVICAL FLEXION TEST

Abstract

 Introduction: there is a relationship between non-specific neck pain and cervical instability. The control of cervical stability depends on a passive system and an active system, in which deep cervical muscles play an important role. To objectively assesses the role of deep cervical flexor muscles, Cranio cervical Flexion Test (CCFT) has been designed. Purpose: to study intraexaminer reliability in detecting the contraction of the superficial cervical flexor muscles by palpation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle during CCFT in asymptomatic subjects. Material and method: each of the four physiotherapists assessed the CCFT to 15 asymptomatic subjects, for a sample of 60 subjects. The CCFT was performed until the examinator detected the activation of superficial cervical flexor muscles by palpation. The procedure was repeated after a period of 7 days. Results: the reliability data obtained show values in ICC = 0.935 (0.894-0.983) and a strong consistency (Spearman’s rho = 0.924). Conclusion: an excellent reliability and strong consistency has been found for intra-examiner reliability in detecting the contraction of superficial cervical flexor muscles by palpation during CCFT in asymptomatic subjects.