Reliability and Validity of A Novel Device for Evaluating the Cervical Proprioception

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science
• Clinical Biomechanics

Background:

• Cervical proprioception is crucial for head and neck function.
• Traditional methods for evaluating cervical joint position error (JPE) include laser pointer devices (LPD) and cervical range-of-motion (CROM) instruments.
• There is a need for more advanced, cost-effective, and practical tools for assessing cervical proprioception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the reliability and validity of the WitMotion sensor (WS) for evaluating cervical proprioception.
• To explore the WS as a cheaper, more convenient, and practical alternative for clinical use.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight healthy participants (age 25-66) were recruited.
• Cervical joint position error (JPE) was measured using both the WitMotion sensor (WS) and a laser pointer device (LPD).
• Intra- and inter-rater reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and validity was analyzed using ICC and Spearman's correlation.

Main Results:

• Intra-rater reliability of the WS was higher than LPD for flexion, right lateral flexion, and left rotation.
• LPD showed higher intra-rater reliability than WS for extension, left lateral flexion, and right rotation.
• Inter-rater reliability for WS and LPD was generally good (ICC > 0.70), with exceptions in extension and left lateral flexion. Validity (ICC > 0.614) was moderate to good for both devices across all movements.

Conclusions:

• The WitMotion sensor demonstrates acceptable to high reliability and validity for assessing cervical joint position error.
• The WS is a viable and practical alternative tool for evaluating cervical proprioception in clinical settings.
• This novel device offers a potentially more accessible option compared to existing methods.