Markus J Ernst1, Lauren Williams2, Isabelle M Werner3, Rebecca J Crawford4, Julia Treleaven5. 1. Institute of Physiotherapy, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Technikumstrasse 71, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland. Electronic address: markus.ernst@zhaw.ch. 2. Cervical Spine Research Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: lauren.williams2@uqconnect.edu.au. 3. Department of Physiotherapy, Kantonsspital Schaffhausen, Geissbergstrasse 81, 8208, Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Electronic address: isabellewerner@hotmail.com. 4. Body Urbanism BV, Nieuwe Binnenweg 136, 3015 BE, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address: crawford.rj.ac@gmail.com. 5. Cervical Spine Research Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: j.treleaven@uq.edu.au.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A simple clinical test involving subject tracing zigzag (ZZ) and figure of eight (F8) patterns with a head mounted laser device in determining cervical movement sense has proven reliability and feasibility. However, its validity in comparing individuals with and without neck pain (NP) has not been examined. METHODS: Seventy-six subjects (38 NP and 38 asymptomatic subjects) performed both patterns while motion of their laser point was videoed. Independent examiners subsequently rated the videos (real-time) to record the time needed and the number of errors when completing each task. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) for various cut-offs to optimise clinical interpretation were determined. Comparisons between 25 subjects with idiopathic neck pain versus 13 with whiplash-associated disorders were also undertaken. RESULTS: All outcome variables except ZZ time were significantly different between individuals with NP and controls. Optimal cut-offs of 9 and 10 errors yielded LR+/LR- of 3.67/0.17 (F8) and 3.00/0.38 (ZZ). Whiplash patients performed the ZZ task faster with similar errors to those with idiopathic neck pain. CONCLUSION: The clinical utility of this inexpensive measure to assess cervical movement sense in people with NP is supported. Moderate LRs+ were demonstrated for number of errors for both patterns. Individuals with NP generated significantly more errors while tracing each pattern. Optimal cut offs of 9 errors for ZZ and 10 errors for F8 were established. Overall, these tests appear to be clinically suitable to determine altered cervical movement sense in those with NP. Crown
BACKGROUND: A simple clinical test involving subject tracing zigzag (ZZ) and figure of eight (F8) patterns with a head mounted laser device in determining cervical movement sense has proven reliability and feasibility. However, its validity in comparing individuals with and without neck pain (NP) has not been examined. METHODS: Seventy-six subjects (38 NP and 38 asymptomatic subjects) performed both patterns while motion of their laser point was videoed. Independent examiners subsequently rated the videos (real-time) to record the time needed and the number of errors when completing each task. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) for various cut-offs to optimise clinical interpretation were determined. Comparisons between 25 subjects with idiopathic neck pain versus 13 with whiplash-associated disorders were also undertaken. RESULTS: All outcome variables except ZZ time were significantly different between individuals with NP and controls. Optimal cut-offs of 9 and 10 errors yielded LR+/LR- of 3.67/0.17 (F8) and 3.00/0.38 (ZZ). Whiplashpatients performed the ZZ task faster with similar errors to those with idiopathic neck pain. CONCLUSION: The clinical utility of this inexpensive measure to assess cervical movement sense in people with NP is supported. Moderate LRs+ were demonstrated for number of errors for both patterns. Individuals with NP generated significantly more errors while tracing each pattern. Optimal cut offs of 9 errors for ZZ and 10 errors for F8 were established. Overall, these tests appear to be clinically suitable to determine altered cervical movement sense in those with NP. Crown
Authors: Ulrik Röijezon; Gwendolen Jull; Christian Blandford; Anna Daniels; Peter Michaelson; Petros Karvelis; Julia Treleaven Journal: Front Pain Res (Lausanne) Date: 2022-07-06
Authors: René Lindstrøm; Alexander Breen; Ning Qu; Alister du Rose; Victoria Blogg Andersen; Alan Breen Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2021-05-24 Impact factor: 4.379