Quantifying the effect of age on passive range of motion of the cervical spine in healthy working-age women

Neck Kinematics in Patients With Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain: An Observational Study to Explore the Integration of Multiple Influencing Factors Through a Bayesian Model-Based Approach

The aim of this observational, cross-sectional study is to evaluate potential differences in kinematics, specifically range of motion (ROM) and velocity, during planar cervical movements between patients with non-traumatic chronic neck pain and disability and asymptomatic controls, while accounting for potential influencing variables of age, sex and fear of movement. The influence of pain intensity, neck disability, age, sex or fear of motion on kinematics was analyzed through robust multivariate Bayesian regression models fitted using the brms library in R. Forty-three patients with neck pain (aged 36.70 ± 13.75 years; 10 men and 33 women) and 42 asymptomatic participants (aged 32.74 ± 13.24 years; 25 men and 17 women) completed the study protocol. The presence of neck pain/disability was associated with lower ROM and peak velocity during all planar movements when considering the influence of age, sex or fear of motion, with standardized regression coefficients that had a small effect size (ranged from 0.11 to 0.28) and estimated differences of less than 2.21° in ROM and 25.61°/s in peak velocity. Although patients with chronic mechanical neck pain showed reduced ROM and peak velocity, the small effect sizes and the low estimated differences between groups question the relevance and clinical usefulness of kinematic analysis of planar movements in samples of patients similar to those included in our study. It is probable that there are differences between the groups, but it is insufficient to rely solely on kinematic variables for patient discrimination. This limitation likely arises from the substantial variability in patient kinematics.

Effects of active scapular correction on cervical range of motion, pain, and pressure pain threshold in patients with chronic neck pain and depressed scapula: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Correction of scapular alignment is advocated as a component for alleviating symptoms for patients with neck pain.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to examine the effect of active scapular correction on cervical range of motion (ROM), pain, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in patients with chronic neck pain with depressed scapula.

METHODS

A randomized control trial research design was conducted. Twenty-eight participants with chronic neck pain and depressed scapula were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 14) or control (n = 14) group. Active cervical rotation ROM, pain at maximum cervical rotation, and PPT over the upper trapezius muscle region were measured at baseline and post active scapular correction.

RESULTS

The participants in the intervention group showed significantly greater active cervical rotation ROM and less pain at maximum cervical rotation than the control group, both on the ipsilateral (p < 0.01) and contralateral (p < 0.05) sides of the depressed scapula. No significant difference in PPT between the groups was demonstrated (p = 0.194).

CONCLUSION

Active scapular correction intervention resulted in an immediate increase in active cervical rotation ROM and a decrease in neck pain at maximum cervical rotation.

Normal Range of Movement During Rotation Stress Testing for the Alar Ligaments: An Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the normal range of rotation occurring during rotation stress testing for alar ligament integrity and to ascertain whether rotation range on testing is affected by an individual's age.

METHOD

In this observational study, 88 people aged 18 to 86 years old with no current neck problems or known risk factors for craniocervical instability underwent rotation stress testing for the alar ligaments. The test was performed in each direction in neutral, flexion, and extension, with the participant both sitting and supine. Rotation range was recorded using an electromagnetic movement tracking system. Range was assessed overall and then compared by 10-year age groups using analysis of variance. Reliability of measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient_(2,1) and standard error of measurement.

RESULTS

Mean angles of upper cervical rotation ranged between 10.91° (standard deviation 3.38°) to 16.12° (standard deviation 5.13°). Overall measured rotation ranged from 1.37° to 33.22°. Participants in older age groups generally displayed reduced rotation; however, the reduction was less than 4°. Reliability of rotation measurements was good to excellent, with the intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.80 to 0.99.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal range of rotation measured during stress testing for the alar ligament varied widely but did not exceed 33^o. All values measured in this study fell below recommendations for ligament integrity. Age-related change was not clinically significant in the interpretation of this test in this asymptomatic population.

Associations of neck muscle strength and cervical spine mobility with future neck pain and disability: a prospective 16-year study

Background

Neck pain has been associated with weaker neck muscle strength and decreased cervical spine range of motion. However, whether neck muscle strength or cervical spine mobility predict later neck disability has not been demonstrated. In this 16-year prospective study, we investigated whether neck muscle strength and cervical spine mobility are associated with future neck pain and related disability in women pain-free at baseline.

Methods

Maximal isometric neck muscle strength and passive range of motion (PROM) of the cervical spine of 220 women (mean age 40, standard deviation (SD) 12 years) were measured at baseline between 2000 and 2002. We conducted a postal survey 16 years later to determine whether any subjects had experienced neck pain and related disability. Linear regression analysis adjusted for age and body mass index was used to determine to what extent baseline neck strength and PROM values were associated with future neck pain and related disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Results

The regression analysis Beta coefficient remained below 0.1 for all the neck strength and PROM values, indicating no association between neck pain and related disability. Of the 149 (68%) responders, mean NDI was lowest (3.3, SD 3.8) in participants who had experienced no neck pain (n = 50), second lowest (7.7, SD 7.1) in those who had experienced occasional neck pain (n = 94), and highest (19.6, SD 22.0) in those who had experienced chronic neck pain (n = 5).

Conclusions

This 16-year prospective study found no evidence for an association between either neck muscle strength or mobility and the occurrence in later life of neck pain and disability. Therefore, screening healthy subjects for weaker neck muscle strength or poorer cervical spine mobility cannot be recommended for preventive purposes.

Upper cervical range of rotation during the flexion-rotation test is age dependent: an observational study

Background:

The flexion-rotation test (FRT) is widely used to detect movement dysfunction in the spinal segment C1/C2, especially in patients with cervicogenic headache. The current published literature indicates that range recorded during the FRT is not age dependent. This is questionable, considering the well documented relationship between aging and degeneration in the cervical spine and loss of cervical movement in older people. The present study therefore aims to examine the influence of age on FRT mobility, and to provide normative values for different age groups. An additional aim is to examine the influence of age on the ratio between lower and upper cervical rotation mobility.

Methods:

For this cross-sectional, observational study, healthy subjects aged from 18 to 90 years were recruited. The upper cervical range of rotation during the FRT was measured using a digital goniometer. Personal data including age, weight, height, and lifestyle factors were also assessed.

Results:

A total of 230 (124 male) healthy, asymptomatic subjects, aged between 18 and 87 years were included. Regression analysis showed that 27.91% (p < 0.0001) of the variance in FRT mobility can be explained by age alone, while 41.28% (p < 0.0001) of the variance in FRT mobility can be explained by age and total cervical range of motion (ROM). Normative values for different age decades were calculated using regression analysis. No significant influence of age on the ratio between ROM of lower and upper cervical rotation was found. There was no relevant impact of personal (gender, height, and weight) and lifestyle (smartphone and PC use) factors on ROM during the FRT.

Conclusion:

Upper cervical rotation mobility determined by the FRT correlates strongly with age; hence, the results of the FRT have to be interpreted taking into account the individual age of the tested subject. The ratio between lower and upper cervical rotation mobility is maintained in all age groups.

Age-related differences to neck range of motion and muscle strength: potential risk factors to fall-related traumatic brain injuries

BACKGROUND

Fall-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a serious health concern for adults over the age of 75 years, yet there is limited knowledge on possible modifiable risk factors. The neck is responsible for supporting the head during falls and age-related differences to the neck muscular could provide modifiable risk factors. However, there is limited empirical data pertaining to age-related differences in neck range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength in adults over the age of 75 years.

AIMS

To understand the age-related differences in neck muscle ROM and strength, we quantified neck active and passive ROM and isometric strength in four directions in young (18-30 years), young-old (60-74 years) and old-old (75-89 years) groups.

METHODS

57 participants were divided into groups based on age. Participants underwent testing of neck active and passive ROM and neck isometric strength in flexion, extension, and lateral flexion.

RESULTS

One-way ANOVAs revealed a significant effect of group on active and passive ROM in flexion, extension, and right and left lateral flexion (p < 0.001). Moreover, one-way ANOVAs revealed a significant group difference in only left lateral flexion strength (p < 0.030), yet there were large effect sizes observed between the young and old-old groups.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest there are some age-related differences to the neck ROM and strength, which may be placing older adults at a greater risk for fall-related TBIs.

CONCLUSION

Future research should investigate the association between neck ROM and strength and head impact during falls in older adults.

Effects of auricular acupressure on pain and disability in adults with chronic neck pain

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of auricular acupressure (AA) on pain, pain threshold (PT), disability, and cervical range of motion in adults with chronic neck pain.

BACKGROUND

About 30-50% of the world's population suffers from chronic neck pain, and the cost of treatment is increasing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-blind, randomized sham-controlled study was conducted on 48 adults with chronic neck pain in South Korea. The experimental group (n = 25) received AA on specific acupoints for neck pain, whereas the control group (n = 23) received AA on unspecific acupoints. Participants received 4 weeks of auricular-acupressure intervention. Outcomes were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), PT, neck-disability index (NDI), and cervical range of motion. Measurements were taken 3 times: before intervention, 2 weeks into the intervention, and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Statistical differences between the two groups emerged in PT (p = .003), the NDI (p = .033), cervical flexion (p = .004), and left rotation (p = .004), but not on the VAS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that AA leads to improvements on PT, neck disability, and cervical range of motion. Therefore, AA can be used as an alternative nursing intervention for chronic neck pain.

Comparison of cervical range of motion in two seated postural conditions in adults 50 or older with cervical pain

OBJECTIVES

The influence of self-selected unsupported seated posture on cervical range of motion (ROM) has not been widely studied. Cervical ROM in habitual (HAB) compared to erect (ER) seated posture in adults 50 or older with cervical pain was investigated.

METHODS

Individuals 50 or older with chronic neck pain participated in this within-subject observational study. ROM and posture (sagittal distances from the nose to the occiput, C7, and thoracic width and relative to a projected laser plumb line) were measured with the CROM device in the two postures. Test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) were calculated.

RESULTS

Total planar ROM values were significantly different between HAB and ER postures. Extension, total rotation and lateral flexion, and R lateral flexion ROM were greater, while flexion decreased significantly in the ER posture. SEM% ranged from 4.0 to 9.5% and MDC95 values were lower in ER (5.8-11.6°) compared to HAB (6.6-17.7°). MDC95% was moderately low for both postures (11.2-26.2%).

DISCUSSION

ROM was significantly different between HAB and ER postures. The directions most likely to detect real change in neck mobility were rotation in both postures, and extension as well as total flexion/extension in ER. Flexion and lateral flexion should be regarded cautiously as measures of improvement. Erect posture maximizes available cervical ROM in individuals over 50 with chronic neck pain compared to habitual postures.

Time to stabilisation of the cervical spine when supported by a pillow in side lying

Currently, there is little information to guide consumers, retailers and health professionals about the length of time it takes for the cervical spine to stabilise when resting on a pillow. The aim of this study was to determine the time required to achieve stabilisation of the cervical spine when supported by a polyester pillow and innerspring mattress in side lying. Twenty-four asymptomatic females rested in a standardised side lying position during the capture of 3D data from markers placed over cervical landmarks. Time to stabilisation was assessed for each axis, each landmark and globally for each participant. A large variation in global stabilisation times was identified between participants; however, 70.8% of participants had stabilised by 15 min or earlier. Fifteen minutes is the best estimate of the time to stabilisation of the cervical spine for young females in a side lying position when resting on a polyester pillow.

PRACTITIONER SUMMARY

This study aimed to determine the time required to achieve stabilisation of the cervical spine when supported by a polyester pillow and innerspring mattress in side lying. Through a laboratory study using 3D VICON® motion analysis technology, we identified that 70.8% of participants had stabilised by 15 min.

Physical Capability Scale

The purpose of this study was to describe the psychometric testing of the Basic Physical Capability Scale. The study was a secondary data analysis of combined data sets from three studies. Study participants included 93 older adults, recruited from 2 acute-care settings and 110 older adults living in long-term care facilities. Rasch analysis was used for the testing of the measurement model. There was some support for construct validity based on the fit of the items to the scale across both samples. In addition, there was support for hypothesis testing as physical function was significantly associated with physical capability. There was evidence for internal consistency (Alpha coefficients of .77-.83) and interrater reliability based on an intraclass correlation of .81. This study provided preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the Basic Physical Capability Scale, and guidance for scale revisions and continued use.

Neck muscle strength and mobility of the cervical spine as predictors of neck pain: a prospective 6-year study

STUDY DESIGN

Follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE

To study whether neck muscle strength or cervical spine mobility values could serve as predictors for future neck pain among originally pain-free working-age subjects during a long period.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Neck pain has been associated with weaker neck muscle strength and lower cervical spine mobility in several studies. However, causality between physical capacity and neck pain has not been shown.

METHODS

Isometric neck muscle strength and passive range of motion of the cervical spine of 220 healthy female volunteers, aged 20 to 59 years, were measured. A postal survey was conducted 6 years later to determine whether any volunteers had experienced neck pain. The receiver operator characteristics curve was used to study how well the neck strength and mobility values in different movement planes at baseline served as predictors of future neck pain.

RESULTS

Of the 192 (87%) responders, 37 (19%) reported neck pain for 7 days during the past year. In predicting neck pain, areas under the receiver operator characteristics curves (95% confidence intervals) in different movement planes were 0.52 to 0.56 (0.41-0.66) for isometric neck strength and 0.54 to 0.56 (0.44-0.76) for passive mobility of the cervical spine.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that neither isometric neck muscle strength nor passive mobility of cervical spine has predictive value for later occurrences of neck pain in pain-free working-age women. Thus, screening healthy subjects for weaker neck muscle strength or decreased mobility of the cervical spine may not be recommended for preventive purposes.