Evaluating the Intra-Rater and Inter-Rater Reliability of Fixed Tension Scale Instrumentation for Determining...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Musculoskeletal assessment
• Rehabilitation technology

Background:

• Accurate measurement of isometric neck strength is crucial for evaluating rehabilitation progress and designing effective strengthening protocols.
• Existing methods for assessing neck strength can be costly, cumbersome, or lack consistent reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of a novel fixed tension scale instrumentation for measuring isometric neck strength.
• To compare the reliability of seated versus standing measurement techniques using this new instrumentation.
• To establish a foundation for future studies utilizing this reliable and cost-effective neck strength assessment tool.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one participants underwent isometric neck strength testing for eight distinct movements using a novel assessment protocol.
• Anthropometric measurements were also recorded.
• The study compared reliability between seated and standing measurement positions.

Main Results:

• The fixed tension scale demonstrated good to excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC range: 0.78–0.97) and moderate to excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC range: 0.73–0.91) for both seated and standing positions.
• Reliability was comparable between seated and standing techniques.
• Slightly lower inter-rater reliability was observed for capital flexion and extension movements.

Conclusions:

• The developed fixed tension scale instrumentation offers a reliable, cost-effective, and portable method for assessing isometric neck strength.
• Both seated and standing measurement techniques provide reliable results, with similar intra- and inter-rater consistency.
• This tool can be foundational for future research and clinical applications in neck strength assessment and rehabilitation.