Cervical Kinematics' Reliability: Zero Positioning Using a 3-D-bulls Eye Spirit Level

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The measurement of cervical spine range of motion (ROM) figures among the most common aspects of clinical diagnosis. Good reliability has been demonstrated for assessments using ultrasonic movement analysis systems, such as Zebris CMS 70 (Isny, Germany). However, in contrast to combined measurements of movement amplitudes (e.g., flexion plus extension in the sagittal plane), separating the respective components provides less reliable results. Current research suggest that this is due to the participants' determination of the zero position. This position is influenced by possible disposed treatments and, in particular, by the subject in case of subjective determination. The present study therefore aims to examine the test-retest reliability of separate ROM assessments using a bulls eye spirit meter. Twenty healthy participants will be included in the trial that adopts a two-armed randomized, crossover design. With a washout-period of one week in between, each subject participates in two sessions in a randomised order. In both sessions, cervical ROM (flexion/extension, rotation, lateral flexion) will be measured twice (with a five-minute wait period). In all measurements, the zero position will be determined by means of a bulls eye spirit level. The difference of the two sessions consists in the design of the waiting period. In one session, the subjects will keep the mask carrying the ultrasound markers on their head. In the other session, the mask will be removed during the break.

Conditions
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Kinematics, Reliability, Cervical

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Zebris CMS 70
* Other: 3-D Bulls Eye Spirit Meter


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Subscribing informed consent Healthy Exclusion Criteria: Severe orthopedic, cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric or endocrine diseases Not completely healed traumata Drug intake in the past 48 hours Pregnancy Muscle soreness

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Other: Mask on<br> | Other: Zebris CMS 70<br> <br> Other: 3-D Bulls Eye Spirit Meter<br> <br> |
| Other: Mask off<br> | Other: Zebris CMS 70<br> <br> Other: 3-D Bulls Eye Spirit Meter<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maximal cervical range of motion in flexion/extension |  | 2 min. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maximal cervical range of motion in lateral flexion |  | 2 min. | 
| Maximal cervical range of motion in rotation |  | 2 min. |