Cervical manipulation versus thoracic or cervicothoracic manipulations for the management of neck pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cervical and thoracic thrust or non-thrust manipulations have shown to be effective in patients with neck pain, but there is a lack of studies comparing both interventions in patients with neck pain.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of cervical thrust or non-thrust manipulations compared to thoracic or cervicothoracic manipulations for improving pain, disability, and range of motion in patients with neck pain.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHOD

Searches were performed in PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, CINHAL, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 22, 2023. Randomized clinical trials comparing cervical thrust or non-thrust manipulations to thoracic or cervicothoracic manipulations were included. Methodological quality was assessed with PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE guidelines.

RESULTS

Six studies were included. Meta-analyses revealed no differences between cervical thrust or non-thrust manipulations and thoracic or cervicothoracic manipulations in pain intensity, disability, or cervical range of motion in any plane. The certainty of evidence was downgraded to very low for pain intensity, to moderate or very low for disability and to low or very low for cervical range of motion.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate to very low certainty evidence that there is no difference in effectiveness between cervical thrust or non-thrust manipulations and thoracic or cervicothoracic manipulations for improving pain, disability, and range of motion in patients with neck pain.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42023429933.

The Effects of Soft-Tissue Techniques and Exercise in the Treatment of Patellar Tendinopathy-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Patellar tendinopathy is a degenerative clinical disorder that causes load-related pain in the lower pole of the patella or patellar tendon. It predominantly affects young male athletes engaged in sports involving repetitive tendon loading, particularly explosive jumping. The combination of manual techniques with therapeutic exercise is hypothesized to provide greater benefits than exercise alone.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze the scientific evidence regarding the effects of soft-tissue techniques combined with therapeutic exercise versus therapeutic exercise alone on pain intensity and function in individuals with patellar tendinopathy.

METHODS

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Lilacs, IBECS, CENTRAL, WOS, SciELO, Academic Search, CINAHL, SportDiscus, PEDro, and Google Scholar databases were consulted. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized trials focusing on the effects of soft-tissue techniques combined with therapeutic exercise (experimental group) versus therapeutic exercise alone (control group) on pain and function in individuals aged 16 years and older with patellar tendinopathy were selected. The Cochrane tool for risk-of-bias assessment and the PEDro scale for methodological quality were used.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of six studies (n = 309; age range = 16-40 years), considered to have a low risk of bias and moderate-to-high methodological quality, were included. The results showed improvements in function in the experimental group (mean of 60% on the Visa-P scale) and pain in the experimental group (mean decrease of 2 points in the VAS scale). There were improvements in 50% of the studies when comparing variables between the experimental and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of manual techniques, such as dry needling, percutaneous electrolysis, transverse friction massage, and stretching, along with a squat on a 25° inclined plane, appears to be effective in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. Static stretching of the quadriceps before and after the squat five times per week, along with dry needling or percutaneous electrolysis sessions twice a week for 8 weeks, is recommended. However, future studies analyzing groups with passive techniques versus therapeutic exercise are needed to standardize the treatment and establish the optimal dose.

Is device guided training targeted to the craniocervical flexor and extensor muscles efficacious? A preliminary randomized controlled trial in a cervicogenic headache population

BACKGROUND

Specific neck exercise is effective in the management of cervicogenic headache (CH). The Spinertial device was designed to facilitate craniocervical flexion and extension training, but its efficacy, judged on change in headache impact, has not been tested.

OBJECTIVE

To compare guided and progressive resisted specific neck exercise targeted to the craniocervical flexors and extensors (SNE-fe) performed with Spinertial device to progressive SNE-fe without the device in a cohort with CH.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

Twenty-eight participants with CH were randomly allocated to the Spinertial group (SG) or SNE-fe exercise group without the device (EG). Both groups performed 12 sessions of SNE-fe over six-weeks. The primary outcome was headache impact (HIT-6). Secondary outcomes were the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT), upper cervical (UCS) and lower cervical range of movement, flexion rotation test (FRT) analysed as more or less restricted side (MRS, LRS), the self-reported global rating of change (GROC-scale) and satisfaction with the exercise program (PACES). Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention (T1) and after 1-month (T2).

RESULTS

Significant between-groups differences were found favouring the SG for HIT-6 (T1 p = 0.010, d = 0.5; T2 p < 0.004, d = 0.4), CCFT, UCS ROM, FRT MRS, FRT LRS, PACES and GROC-scale (T1: all p < 0.01; T2: all p < 0.01). Effects sizes were large (>0.8) at T1 and T2. No between-groups differences were found for lower cervical ROM.

CONCLUSION

Training with the Spinertial was more effective than SNE without the device for improving the impact of headache, the endurance of deep neck flexors and UCS ROM in participants with CH.

Clinical Effectiveness of Craniosacral Therapy in Patients with Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in improving pain and disability among patients with headache disorders.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Osteopathic Medicine Digital Library databases were searched in March 2023.

REVIEW METHODS

Two independent reviewers searched the databases and extracted data from randomized controlled trials comparing craniosacral therapy with control or sham interventions. The same reviewers assessed the methodological quality and the risk of bias using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Collaboration tool, respectively. Grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations was used to rate the certainty of the evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models using RevMan 5.4 software.

RESULTS

The searches retrieved 735 studies, and four studies were finally included. The craniosacral therapy provided statistically significant but clinically unimportant change on pain intensity (Mean difference = -1.10; 95% CI: -1.85, -0.35; I2: 44%), and no change on disability or headache effect (Standardized Mean Difference = -0.34; 95% CI -0.70, 0.01; I2: 26%). The certainty of the evidence was downgraded to very low.

CONCLUSION

Very low certainty of evidence suggests that craniosacral therapy produces clinically unimportant effects on pain intensity, whereas no significant effects were observed in disability or headache effect.

Strength Training vs. Aerobic Training for Managing Pain and Physical Function in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: Strength training (ST) and aerobic training (AT) are the most recommended interventions in patients with knee OA. These recommendations are supported by high-quality evidence, but it is still unknow whether one type of exercise is superior to the other. Thus, the aim was to investigate whether one type of exercise (ST or AT) is superior to the other for improving pain and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. (2) Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out following the PRISMA statement. The search strategy was conducted in PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized controlled trials comparing ST and AT on pain intensity and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis were included. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with a PEDro scale and risk-of-bias tool, respectively. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE guidelines. (3) Results: Four studies (6 publications) were included. The qualitative and quantitative synthesis showed that ST produces no more improvement in pain intensity (SMD after intervention: 0.02; 95%CI: -0.15, 0.19; I2: 0%; three studies; 426 patients) and physical function (SMD after intervention: 0.07; 95%CI: -0.10, 0.24; I2: 0%; three studies; 426 patients) compared to AT in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The certainty of evidence was rated as very low. (4) Conclusions: Both type of exercises showed clinical benefits in people with knee osteoarthritis, but no differences between ST and AT were found.

The effects of end-range interventions in the management of primary adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of end-range manual therapy versus other conservative intervention on pain intensity, shoulder range of movement (ROM), and physical function in adhesive capsulitis (AC).

METHODS

Two reviewers conducted a comprehensive search from inception to December 2022. PUBMED, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PEDro databases were searched. Clinical trials investigating the effects of end-range mobilisation techniques on pain, ROM, and physical function in patients with AC were included. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale, and bias risk was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. GRADE was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Data were presented using forest plots, and the random effects models were applied according to the Cochrane handbook.

RESULTS

Ten randomised controlled trials were reviewed, involving 424 AC patients aged 20-70 years. Methodological quality of studies ranged from high to low. The end-range mobilisation showed improvements in pain intensity, shoulder abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation, and physical function compared to other conservative interventions in the short-and medium-terms. Certainty of the evidence was downgraded to very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Very low certainty evidence suggests that end-range mobilisation techniques improve pain intensity, shoulder ROM, and physical function in the short-and medium-term in AC.

Systematic review and meta-analysis showed that complementary and alternative medicines were not effective for infantile colic

AIM

Osteopathy and chiropractic techniques are used for babies for different reasons, but it is unclear how effective they are. The aim of this study was to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing crying time and increasing sleeping time in babies with infantile colic.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on infantile colic studies that used complementary and alternative medicine techniques as interventions. The outcome measures were hours spent crying and/or sleeping. We used the PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Osteopathic Medicine Digital Database and Google Scholar databases from inception to 11 November 2022.

RESULTS

The methodological quality of the randomised control trials ranged from fair to high. We focused on five studies with 422 babies. Complementary treatments failed to decrease the crying time (mean difference -1.08, 95% CI: -2.17 to 0.01, I2  = 92%) and to increase sleeping time (mean difference 1.11, 95% CI: -0.20 to 2.41; I2 : 91%), compared with no intervention. The quality of the evidence was rated as very low for both outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

Osteopathy and chiropractic treatment failed to reduce the crying time and increase sleeping time in babies with infantile colic, compared with no additional intervention.

A Beta Version of an Application Based on Computer Vision for the Assessment of Knee Valgus Angle: A Validity and Reliability Study

BACKGROUND

In handball, the kinematics of the frontal plane seem to be one of the most important factors for the development of lower limb injuries. The knee valgus angle is a fundamental axis for injury prevention and is usually measured with 2D systems such as Kinovea software (Version 0.9.4.). Technological advances such as computer vision have the potential to revolutionize sports medicine. However, the validity and reliability of computer vision must be evaluated before using it in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to analyze the test-retest and inter-rater reliability and the concurrent validity of a beta version app based on computer vision for the measurement of knee valgus angle in elite handball athletes.

METHODS

The knee valgus angle of 42 elite handball athletes was measured. A frontal photo during a single-leg squat was taken, and two examiners measured the angle by the beta application based on computer vision at baseline and at one-week follow-up to calculate the test-retest and inter-rater reliability. A third examiner assessed the knee valgus angle using 2D Kinovea software to calculate the concurrent validity.

RESULTS

The knee valgus angle in the elite handball athletes was 158.54 ± 5.22°. The test-retest reliability for both examiners was excellent, showing an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.859-0.933. The inter-rater reliability showed a moderate ICC: 0.658 (0.354-0.819). The standard error of the measurement with the app was stated between 1.69° and 3.50°, and the minimum detectable change was stated between 4.68° and 9.70°. The concurrent validity was strong r = 0.931; p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

The computer-based smartphone app showed an excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability and a strong concurrent validity compared to Kinovea software for the measurement of the knee valgus angle.

A Novel Device for Assessment and Treatment of Upper Cervical Spine: Test-Retest Reliability Study

INTRODUCTION

Neck pain is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in primary care. Clinicians evaluate different variables, including movement and cervical strength, to determine the prognosis of patients. Usually, the tools employed for this purpose are expensive and bulky, or more than one is needed. This study aims to describe a novel device designed to assess the cervical spine and describe its test-retest reliability.

METHODS

The Spinetrack device was designed to measure the strength of deep cervical flexor muscles and the chin-in and chin-out movement of the upper cervical spine. A test-retest reliability study was developed. The flexion, extension and strength needed to move the Spinetrack device were registered. Two measurements were developed, with one week between each assessment.

RESULTS

Twenty healthy subjects were evaluated. The strength of the deep cervical flexor muscles in the first measurement was 21.18 ± 3.15 Newtons, the displacement movement during chin-in movement was 12.79 mm ± 3.46 and the displacement during chin-out movement was 35.99 mm ± 4.44. The test-retest reliability of strength was ICC 0.97 (95% CI (0.91-0.99)).

CONCLUSION

The Spinetrack device has shown excellent test-retest reliability values for the measurement of the strength of the cervical flexor muscles and for the chin-in and chin-out movements.

The effectiveness of Schroth method in Cobb angle, quality of life and trunk rotation angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The Schroth method is one of the most common physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises intervention applied in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This method consists of three-dimensional correction of the specific curve pattern of the patient using a combination of sensorimotor, postural, and corrective breathing exercises. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse the effects of the Schroth method in isolation on Cobb angle, quality of life, and trunk rotation angle compared to no intervention or other conservative treatments in patients with AIS.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of the Schroth method in isolation to conservative interventions or no intervention. The quality of the studies was assessed with the PEDro Scale, and the risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Two independent assessors extracted data through a standardized form. Meta-analyses were conducted using fixed or random effects models according to the heterogeneity assessed with I² coefficient. Data on outcomes of interest were extracted by a researcher using RevMan 5.4 software.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 317 studies were screened. Six were included in the meta-analysis involving 144 patients with AIS. The methodological quality of the included studies ranged from high to low. Schroth method in isolation showed significant improvements in Cobb angle (mean difference [MD] =-3.18º; 95% CI: -4.30, -2.07; I²: 0%), quality of life (MD=0.28; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.38; I²: 0%) and trunk rotation angle (MD=-2.12º; 95% CI: -3.44, -0.80; I²: 71%) in the short-term.

CONCLUSIONS

The Schroth method in isolation is effective for reducing the Cobb angle and the trunk rotation angle and for improving the QoL in the short-term compared to no intervention or other conservative therapies in AIS, but the improvement in Cobb angle did not exceed the minimum clinically important difference.

Improvement of In-School Physical Activity with Active School-Based Interventions to Interrupt Prolonged Sitting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behaviors have increased in recent years and their consequences have led the World Health Organization to make recommendations for promoting a more active lifestyle. The school environment has been defined as a key place for achieving this objective for children and adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to analyze the effect of active-break interventions for interrupting prolonged sitting times during school-time on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), at school, in childhood and youth.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out, including clinical trials aimed at assessing the effects of interrupting prolonged sitting at school with active breaks on in-school PA and/or SB. Multimodal and static interventions were excluded. Six databases were analyzed: Medline, WOS, Cochrane Library, SPORT Discus, CINAHL and EMBASE. PA, SB; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were the variables considered.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included, with a total of 2145 children between 6 and 12 years old. The heterogeneity in the duration (five-sixty min), the frequency (one-three times per-day up to three times per week), and duration (five days to three years) of the interventions was detected. The meta-analyses for in-school PA, MVPA, and SB were performed, showing a significant improvement in both PA and MVPA.

CONCLUSIONS

Interrupting prolonged sitting with active-based school interventions could improve PA and MVPA levels during school time. (PROSPERO: CRD42022358933).

Effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis in patients with tension-type headache: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Manual therapy appears to be effective for the relief of tension-type headache (TTH), just as diacutaneous fibrolysis (DF) has shown to be a beneficial technique for the relief of symptoms in other dysfunctions. However, no studies have evaluated the potential beneficial effect of DF in TTH. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of three sessions of DF in patients with TTH.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial in 86 subjects (43 intervention/ 43 control group). The headache frequency, the headache intensity, the pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at trapeziometacarpal joint, upper trapezius, suboccipital, frontal and temporal muscles, parietal sutures and the cervical mobility were measured at baseline, at the end of the third intervention and one-month after the last intervention.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences with p values <0.05 were observed between groups in favor of the intervention group in the one-month follow-up in the following variables: headache frequency, headache intensity, flexion, extension, right and left side-bending, right and left rotation, PPTs in left trapeziometacarpal joint, right suboccipital muscle, right and left temporal muscle, left frontal muscle and right and left parietal.

CONCLUSIONS

DF provides a beneficial effect in reducing headache frequency, relieving pain, and improving cervical mobility in patients with TTH.

Students' perceptions, engagement and satisfaction with the use of an e-rubric for the assessment of manual skills in physiotherapy

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, formative assessment has gained importance in health care education to facilitate and enhance learning throughout the training period. Within the frame of active methodologies, rubrics have become an essential instrument for formative assessment. Most rubric-based assessment procedures focus on measuring the effects of rubrics on teachers. However, few studies focus their attention on the perception that students have of the evaluation process through rubrics.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study was carried out with 134 students enrolled in the pre-graduate Physiotherapy education. Assessment of manual skills during a practical examination was performed using an e-rubric tool. Peer-assessment, self-assessment and teacher´s assessment were registered. After completion of the examination process, students' perceptions, satisfaction and engagement were collected.

RESULTS

Quantitative results related to students' opinion about e-rubric based assessment, students' engagement, perceived benefits and drawbacks of the e-rubric as well as the overall assessment of the learning experience were obtained. 86.6% of the students agreed upon the fact that "the rubric allowed one to know what it is expected from examination" and 83.6% of the students agreed upon the fact that "the rubric allowed one to verify the level of competence acquired". A high rate of agreement (87.3%) was also reached among students concerning feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

E-rubrics seemed to have the potential to promote learning by making criteria and expectations explicit, facilitating feedback, self-assessment and peer-assessment. The importance of students in their own learning process required their participation in the assessment task, a fact that was globally appreciated by the students. Learning experience was considered interesting, motivating, it promoted participation, cooperative work and peer-assessment. The use of e-rubrics increased engagement levels when attention was focused on their guidance and reflection role.

Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety in Adults ≥60 Years Old during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

COVID-19 represents a threat to public health and the mental health of the aged population. Prevalence and risk factors of depression and anxiety have been reported in previous reviews in other populations; however, a systematic review on the factors associated with depression and anxiety in older adults is not currently present in the literature. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest Psychology Database, Science Direct, Cochrane Library and SciELO databases (23 February 2021). The results were obtained by entering a combination of MeSH or Emtree terms with keywords related to COVID-19, elderly, depression and anxiety in the databases. A total of 11 studies were included in the systematic review. Female gender, loneliness, poor sleep quality and poor motor function were identified as factors associated with both depression and anxiety. Aspects related to having a stable and high monthly income represent protective factors for both depression and anxiety, and exercising was described as protective for depression. This study synthesised information and analysed the main factors associated with depression and anxiety in the older population during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the cross-sectional design of most of the included studies does not allow a causal relationship between the factors analysed and depression or anxiety.

An upper cervical spine treatment protocol for cervicogenic dizziness: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Physiotherapy is a common treatment used for cervicogenic dizziness (CD). Treatment of the cervical spine using manual therapy techniques shows moderate evidence in favor of its use. International criteria for the treatment of the cervical spine have been described. Detecting patients' contraindications is the most important safety consideration. International criteria and recommendations for treatment of the cervical spine have been described, as well as safety criteria. A safe traction-manipulation intervention protocol is therefore possible. However, the effects of this protocol on dizziness intensity and dizziness-related disability have not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of a traction-manipulation protocol in patients with CD.

METHODS

The patients were referred by an otoneurologist, and after inclusion were randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group. The intervention was based on the application of a traction-manipulation protocol in the resting position. Dizziness intensity, self-reported disability, and cervical range of motion with and without a fixed gaze were assessed. All data were collected beforehand and at two days and four weeks after intervention.

RESULTS

At the two-days follow-up, statistically significant differences in favor of the intervention were observed between groups in the primary outcomes of dizziness intensity (p < .001) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (p < .001), and at the four-week follow-up in dizziness intensity (p < .001) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The traction-manipulation protocol reduces the intensity of dizziness, the patient's self-perceived disability, and improves cervical mobility with and without fixed gaze.

Short-term effects of an upper cervical spine traction-manipulation program in patients with cervicogenic dizziness: A case series study

BACKGROUND

Damage on the somatosensory system could cause sensation of dizziness, a condition known as cervicogenic dizziness (CD). Manual physical therapy has shown beneficial effects, relieving the symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness. However, the effect of upper cervical spine manipulation is unknown, as this is a technique that respects the International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) safety criteria.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of upper cervical spine traction-manipulation in subjects with cervicogenic dizziness.

METHODS

This was a descriptive case series study. Treatment focused on the upper cervical spine manipulation procedure. Evaluation was performed before and after the treatment. Variables recorded include upper and lower cervical range of motion, Cervical Flexion-Rotation Test (CFRT), dizziness intensity and cervical pain (VAS), self-perceived dizziness measured with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and subjective perception of outcome (GROC-scale).

RESULTS

Ten subjects were recruited. After the treatment protocol, there was an increased range of movement towards the most restricted side, as measured by the CFRT (p< 0.001), decreased intensity of dizziness (p< 0.001) and intensity of pain (p< 0.001). Functional capacity also improved after the intervention (p< 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Upper cervical spine manipulation may decrease dizziness intensity and cervical pain and improve functional ability and upper cervical spine mobility in patients with cervicogenic dizziness.

Short-term effects of the traction-manipulation protocol in dizziness intensity and disability in cervicogenic dizziness: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Analyse the short-term effects of traction-manipulation protocol in dizziness and pain intensity and disability, cervical mobility and postural instability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Randomized controlled assessor-blind clinical trial. The traction-manipulation protocol was carried out in the intervention group and compared with a control group where the subjects were kept supine. The intervention protocol follows the IFOMPT safety recommendations. Dizziness and pain intensity, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), cervical mobility and balance were measured after 48 h and a one-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Forty subjects with cervicogenic dizziness were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. Significant differences were found in favour of the intervention protocol group in: dizziness intensity (p < 0.001; d = 1.31), DHI (p < 0.001; d = 0.76) pain intensity (p < 0.007; d = 0.92), upper cervical flexion (p < 0.032; d = 0.30) and extension (p < 0.012; d = 0.80) at 48 h follow up. At one-month follow up there were significant differences in favour of the intervention group in: dizziness intensity (p < 0.001; d = 0.95), DHI (p < 0.001; d = 0.0.92) pain intensity (p < 0.001; d = 1.38) and upper cervical extension (p < 0.005; d = 0.92). Postural instability improved in mediolateral displacement static with eyes closed (p < 0.032; d = 0.79) and in dynamic with eyes open (p = 0.003; d = 0.55) at one-month follow-up in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

The traction-manipulation protocol reduces the dizziness and pain intensity, ameliorates disability and improves upper cervical mobility and postural instability.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe intervention protocol reduces the dizziness and pain intensity, and improves self-perceived disability in patients with cervicogenic dizziness.Manual therapy improves the cervical range of motion and the postural instability in the cervicogenic dizziness.The intervention protocol follows the safety recommendations of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists.

Validity and reliability of two Smartphone applications to measure the lower and upper cervical spine range of motion in subjects with chronic cervical pain

BACKGROUND

Cervical pain is the biggest musculoskeletal health problem in industrialised countries. There is an important association between this and decrease in range of motion.

OBJECTIVE

Estimate the validity and reliability intra and inter examiner of two Smartphone apps regarding the measurement of lower and upper cervical spine range of motion in subjects with chronic cervical pain.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 25 subjects with chronic cervical pain. An examiner made a measurement of the range of motion using the CROM device as a gold standard, afterwards, another examiner did the same using a Smartphone, in order to establish validity. After this, the Smartphone examiner and a new examiner simultaneously conducted the intra and inter examiner reliability.

RESULTS

Measurement of the lower and upper cervical spine range show an excellent validity (> 0.75), with an excellent intra and inter reliability (> 0.75) in all movements except flexion of upper cervical spine (0.75-0.65).

CONCLUSION

The two Smartphone applications used in this study showed an excellent validity compared to the CROM. The intra and inter reliability is excellent for all movements, except for the upper cervical spine flexion.