Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test
Purpose: To assess the endurance of the deep neck flexors (Rectus Capitus Anterior, Rectus Capitus Lateralis, Longus Capitus, Longus Colli - “Muscle specificity in tests of cervical flexor muscle performance”).
Test Position: Supine, hooklying.
Performing the Test: Tuck patients chin in and lift off table 1 inch. The examiner looks for substitution of the platysma or SCM muscle.
Normal Values: Men: 38.9 seconds, Women: 29.4 seconds (“The Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test: normative data scores in healthy adults”).
Importance of the Test: Those with neck pain were found to have significantly decreased deep neck flexor endurance, average of 21.4 seconds (“Reliability of a measurement of neck flexor muscle endurance”). They tend to over-utilize other muscles (platysma, hyoid muscles, and especially the sternocleidomastoid) for postural maintenance, which leads to the commonly seen position of forward head postures-a position we commonly see in those who use computers frequently or engage in sedentary activity on a regular basis. This may lead you to think of some impairments that are contributing to the patient’s pain. Be sure to assess a patient's posture and segmental mobility in the cervical spine.
Note: tests should only be performed by a properly trained health care practitioner.
Test Position: Supine, hooklying.
Performing the Test: Tuck patients chin in and lift off table 1 inch. The examiner looks for substitution of the platysma or SCM muscle.
Normal Values: Men: 38.9 seconds, Women: 29.4 seconds (“The Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test: normative data scores in healthy adults”).
Importance of the Test: Those with neck pain were found to have significantly decreased deep neck flexor endurance, average of 21.4 seconds (“Reliability of a measurement of neck flexor muscle endurance”). They tend to over-utilize other muscles (platysma, hyoid muscles, and especially the sternocleidomastoid) for postural maintenance, which leads to the commonly seen position of forward head postures-a position we commonly see in those who use computers frequently or engage in sedentary activity on a regular basis. This may lead you to think of some impairments that are contributing to the patient’s pain. Be sure to assess a patient's posture and segmental mobility in the cervical spine.
Note: tests should only be performed by a properly trained health care practitioner.
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References:
Domenech MA, Sizer PS, Dedrick GS, McGalliard MK, Brismee JM. "The Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test: normative data scores in healthy adults." PM R. 2011 Feb. Web. 08/18/2012.
Harris KD, Heer DM, Roy TC, Santos DM, Whitman JM, Wainner RS. “Reliability of a measurement of neck flexor muscle endurance.” Physical Therapy 2005 Dec. Web. 08/18/2012.
O'Leary S, Falla D, Jull G, Vicenzino B. "Muscle specificity in tests of cervical flexor muscle performance." J Electromyogr Kinesiology 2007 Feb. Web. 08/18/2012.
Domenech MA, Sizer PS, Dedrick GS, McGalliard MK, Brismee JM. "The Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test: normative data scores in healthy adults." PM R. 2011 Feb. Web. 08/18/2012.
Harris KD, Heer DM, Roy TC, Santos DM, Whitman JM, Wainner RS. “Reliability of a measurement of neck flexor muscle endurance.” Physical Therapy 2005 Dec. Web. 08/18/2012.
O'Leary S, Falla D, Jull G, Vicenzino B. "Muscle specificity in tests of cervical flexor muscle performance." J Electromyogr Kinesiology 2007 Feb. Web. 08/18/2012.
