Cervical range of movement (ROM) assesses the quality and quantity of movement, as well as symptom response to movement in the cervical spine.
How to
Cervical ROM is most reliably assessed using an inclinometer held in the midline of forehead (between earlobes) for lateral flexion on the vortex of the head in line with the nose for flexion and extension.
When and why
- Assessment of cervical ROM is recommended as part of routine assessment for whiplash patients.
- Reduced cervical ROM is an adverse prognostic indicator.1,2
- Changes in cervical ROM can be used as an outcome measure related to cervical impairment.
- Reliability of inclinometer method is 0.84–0.963.
Results
Normal Cervical ROM for age
Consider cervical ROM in relation to normal ROM for age (see below).
| Movement | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60-69 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 63-64 | 58-59 | 52-58 | 50-52 | 53 |
| E | 80-82 | 63-69 | 63-66 | 56-60 | 46 |
| Lat F | 43-47 | 34-38 | 34-38 | 30-32 | 26 |
| Rot | 72-76 | 68-72 | 57-63 | 56-62 | 54 |
References
1. Kasch et al. Neurology 2001.
2. Sterling et al. Man Ther 2004.
3. Hole et al. Man Ther 1995: 1;36–42