Neck proprioception assessment with a laser beam device: reliability in participants without neck pain and differences between participants with and without neck pain

Abstract Background Proprioception deficits have previously been reported in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (NSCNP), a comprehensive and valid battery of tests still required. This study aimed to investigate the test-retest inter-rater reliability cervical proprioception participants without NSCNP examine differences between NSCNP. Twenty 20 age- sex-matched were recruited. sequentially performed random order, four head-to-neutral movement directions (starting positions at mid-flexion, mid-extension mid-right/mid-left rotation head-neck end position neutral posture) two head-to-target from posture right left 45° rotation), laser beam device secured onto their forehead. Participants all sitting 1-m distance whiteboard. The average deviations mark set targets marked on whiteboard represented deficits. two-way random, absolute agreement model intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error measurement (SEM) smallest detectable difference (SDD) used as measures reliability. Between-group examined independent samples t test. Results varied poor good. following demonstrated good reliability: ‘Head-to-neutral flexion’ (ICC: 0.77–0.78; SDD: 5.73–6.84 cm), 0.80–0.82; 6.20–6.45 cm) right/left rotation’ 0.80–0.84; 5.92–6.81 cm). Differences found only flexion (4.10–4.70 cm); however, those within limits SDD values HtN Conclusions can be reliably clinical practice aforementioned directions, based findings present study. between-group noted involved head mid-flexion test, possibly denoting this direction, for reasons that require further evaluation.