Active and Passive Cervical Flexion-rotation Tests

N/ACompletedNCT02070172

Des Moines University24 enrolled

Overview

Motion limitations have been previously reported in people with headaches originating from the neck/cervicogenic headaches. A test involving flexing and rotating the neck has been found useful to diagnose this type of headache. This observational study investigates this neck motion test when performed actively by the patient and passively by the examiner, then compares the results of motion attained.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Cervicogenic Headaches

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 55 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * One-sided headaches * Headaches caused by neck movement or sustained head positioning * Neck, shoulder, or arm pain * Intermittent headaches at least one headache per week for greater than 2 months * Headaches of moderate intensity Exclusion Criteria: * A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis * Current pregnancy * International Headache Society criteria for other headache forms (such as tension or migraine) * Cervical radiculopathy * Treatment for headaches by a physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, or osteopath in the past month * Positive test for vertebral artery insufficiency or cranial-vertebral ligament instability

Locations (1)

Des Moines University

Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Cervical Range of Motion in degrees with the Flexion Rotation Test

Two versions of this test were examined. A motion analysis system was used to measure degrees of motion. The test was done in two ways on each subject. Subjects sat in a chair, looked downward, then rotated their head/neck each direction. Subjects laid on their back while an examiner lifted their head, then rotated it each direction (same motion as described for the active test in the previous sentence). Within session reliability was also examined.

Time frame: Baseline only

Secondary Outcomes

Northwick park neck disability index

This self-report questionnaire was completed by subjects prior to testing. It was not re-assessed as an outcome but rather used for baseline description of the subjects included in the study.

Time frame: Baseline only

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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