Article

Evaluation of reliability of isometric strength measurements in the
neck and trunk region and comparison of these measurements between patients with
chronic neck pain and pain-free subjects. DESIGN: Nonrandomized controlled trial.
SETTING: Institutional practice. Patients with neck pain (n=53) and
pain-free persons (n=42) (mean age +/- SD, 49.7+/-10.74 vs 48.7+/-12.02; women,
73% vs 71%). INTERVENTIONS: Strength of flexion, extension, and lateral flexion
in the neck and trunk were measured. Each participant underwent 2 measurement
passes on each of 2 examination days; 3 were performed by the same investigator,
1 by a second. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intrarater (short-term and long-term) and
interrater reliability, differences in strength between both groups of probands.
RESULTS: Reliability in both groups ranged from substantial to almost perfect
(intraclass correlation coefficient: patients, .76-.89; control group, .80-.88).
The patients' strength in the neck and trunk was significantly below that of the
control group (P<.002). CONCLUSIONS: Isometric strength measurement is a reliable
and feasible way to estimate the possible benefit of specific strengthening
programs. Patients with chronic neck pain showed strength deficits in all
measured regions.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
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Langue : ANGLAIS