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Classifying Whiplash Recovery Status Using the Neck Disability Index: Optimized Cutoff Points Derived From Receiver
Arthur C Croft1, Julie A Workman2, Michael P Szatalowicz3
1Director, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, San Diego, CA.
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine
|June 23, 2016
Summary
The optimal Neck Disability Index (NDI) score for distinguishing whiplash recovery is 15. Using lower NDI scores increases the likelihood of misclassifying patient recovery status.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Medicine
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores are frequently used to assess whiplash recovery.
- Establishing precise NDI cutoff points is crucial for accurate patient classification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal NDI score for differentiating recovery from non-recovery in whiplash patients.
- To evaluate the NDI's effectiveness as a diagnostic tool for whiplash outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 123 whiplash patients were recruited, self-reporting recovery status (36% recovered, 64% non-recovered).
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to compare NDI scores against recovery status.
- Optimized cutoff points were calculated for the overall group, and stratified by sex and age.
Main Results:
- The mean NDI score was 7.8 for recovered patients and 27.1 for non-recovered patients.
- An NDI score of 15 was identified as the optimal cutoff for the general population.
- Sex- and age-specific optimal cutoffs were 19 for women and 21 for older individuals.
Conclusions:
- An NDI score of 15 is the recommended cutoff for classifying whiplash recovery.
- Utilizing NDI scores below 15 may lead to misclassification of patient recovery.
- The NDI is a valuable tool for assessing whiplash recovery, with specific cutoffs for different demographics.
