The aim of this master's thesis was to calculate variable, constant, absolute, and global errors from the mean repositioning position and to determine whether averaging affects the repeatability and sensitivity of the test used to assess the accuracy of neck and head repositioning. The repositioning position was averaged across six time windows, and the test was conducted for six neck and head movements: extension, flexion, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation. Based on this, the main objectives were defined as follows: to determine whether averaging the repositioning position affects the repeatability of the repositioning test (RT); to determine whether averaging affects the sensitivity of the RT; to assess whether increasing the time window for averaging the repositioning position influences the repeatability of the RT; and to determine whether extending the time window influences the sensitivity of the RT.
The study included 48 participants (aged 20–64), comprising 26 asymptomatic individuals (control group) and 22 individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain (experimental group). Each participant completed two measurements on the same day with a rest interval in between. Cervical repositioning ability was assessed using the neck and head repositioning to a neutral position test. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) was mounted on the participant’s head for the test.
The results showed low to moderate repeatability and low to good sensitivity of the RT after averaging the repositioning position. With increasing time windows for averaging, both repeatability and sensitivity generally improved, although not for all measured errors and movement direstions. In asymptomatic individuals, repeatability across all three error types (absolute, constant, and variable error) increased only during extension and right lateral flexion. In symptomatic individuals, repeatability for all three error types increased during flexion, as well as right and left lateral flexion. Sensitivity, on the other hand, increased only for values calculated for right lateral flexion.
This thesis contributes to the existing body of research in the field of cervical spine testing. The findings suggest that both the averaging method of the repositioning position and the duration of the averaging time window affect both the repeatability and sensitivity of the RT. Furthermore, the findings suggest that differences in repeatability and sensitivity are also present between asymptomatic individuals and those with chronic non-specific neck pain. Based on these findings, further investigation into the repeatability and sensitivity of measurement procedures and tools that enable simple and practical cervical spine testing is warranted.
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