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Evaluation of neck muscle strength with a modified sphygmomanometer dynamometer: reliability and validity
H T Vernon1, P Aker, M Aramenko
1Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario.
Summary
The modified sphygmomanometer dynamometer (MSD) reliably measures neck isometric muscle strength, providing crucial normative data. Symptomatic patients show reduced strength and altered flexion/extension ratios, indicating the MSD
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal Research
- Clinical Measurement
Background:
- Neck muscle strength is vital for function and injury assessment.
- Objective measurement tools are needed for neck strength evaluation.
- Existing methods may lack reliability or standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the test-retest reliability of neck isometric muscle strength testing using a modified sphygmomanometer dynamometer (MSD).
- To establish normative data for neck isometric muscle strength in healthy individuals.
- To assess the clinical validity of the MSD in differentiating symptomatic patients from healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- An analytic survey design was employed.
- Paired trials of isometric neck strength tests were conducted on normal subjects and patients with neck pain.
- Measurements were taken using a modified sphygmomanometer dynamometer (MSD) in kilopascals (kPa).
Main Results:
- High test-retest reliability (correlation coefficients .79-.97) and consistency (intraclass coefficients .95-.99) were observed.
- Normative data and cutoff values for neck strength were established.
- Symptomatic patients exhibited significantly lower strength levels and altered flexion/extension ratios compared to normal subjects.
Conclusions:
- The MSD is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing neck isometric muscle strength.
- Established normative values aid in the clinical evaluation of neck conditions.
- The MSD shows promise for identifying and quantifying strength deficits in neck-injured patients.