Measurement of cervical range of motion pattern during cyclic neck movement by an ultrasound-based motion system

Goniometers and radiographic imaging have been used to measure active or passive cervical range of motion (ROM) in asymptomatic adults. However, the ultrasound-based coordinate measuring system (CMS) can measure continuous neck motion in three dimensions. The aims of this investigation are to evaluate the reliability and validity of ultrasound-based CMS (Zebris, CMS 70P), and to compare the cervical ROM patterns of asymptomatic young and middle-aged adults during continuous neck motions in the three cardinal planes. The ROM reciprocal ratio was defined as the ratio of the ROM from neutral position in one direction versus that in the opposite direction at the same cardinal plane. This study demonstrated the high test-retest reliability and validity of CMS during cervical motion in Chinese participants. Middle-aged adults exhibit reduced ROM ratios in the sagittal and frontal planes. The advantages and limitations of the CMS measurement tool and the potential future applications are documented. The measurement of neck motion pattern by ultrasound-based CMS may provide information on the management of neck dysfunction during functional movements.