Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
Validity and reliability of the aneroid sphygmomanometer using a paediatric size cuff for craniocervical flexion test
Renu Mahashabde1, Ritin Fernandez, Shaila Sabnis
1Seawoods Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Background:
The craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) is generally undertaken using a pressure biofeedback unit. However, the high costs of the device limits its availability in poorly resourced healthcare settings. The use of alternate measures such as the aneroid sphygmomanometer to undertake CCFT need to be investigated.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to establish the concurrent validity, intra- and inter-rater reliability of the aneroid sphygmomanometer using a paediatric size cuff for CCFT in asymptomatic adults.
Methods:
This cross-sectional observational study involved 300 asymptomatic participants randomly allocated to either validity (n = 100), intra-rater (n = 100) or inter-rater (n = 100) testing. Participants were asked to perform CCFT to assess craniocervical flexors performance using the pressure biofeedback unit and the aneroid sphygmomanometer with a paediatric cuff. Inter-rater reliability test was performed by two different raters on the same day with rest of 30 min between tests. An independent observer checked and recorded the pressures noted on the pressure dial thus ensuring blinded outcome measurement. Correlation between the two instruments was determined by computing the stability coefficient (Pearson product moment correlation) and associated P-values for statistical significance. Intra-class correlation coefficients and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability.
Results:
The concurrent validity of aneroid sphygmomanometer as per Pearson's product moment correlation was r = 0.856 for activation score. The intra-class correlation coefficients for intra-rater reliability was 0.92 (95% CI 0.89-0.94), and inter-rater reliability was 0.87 (95% CI 0.80-0.91).
Conclusion:
This study has confirmed high concurrent validity, intra- and inter-rater reliability of the aneroid sphygmomanometer using a paediatric cuff for CCFT in asymptomatic adults. Its use in people with neck pain warrants investigation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
01:21Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.