Between-week reliability of the cervical range of motion (CROM) device for upper cervical rotation

Background: The Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device is a valid and reliable clinical tool used to measure full cervical rotation, however, its reliability for measuring upper cervical rotation is unknown. Objectives: Assess between-week test-retest reliability of the CROM device in measuring upper cervical rotation Method: Thirty students participated in this test-retest reliability study. The CROM device was used to measure left and right cervical rotation in both a seated neutral and fully flexed head-neck position. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for all motions. Measurement error was determined using standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Results: The CROM device demonstrated moderate to good reliability (ICCs 0.65-0.9) of full and upper cervical rotation. The SEMs and MDCs of this study are small and suggest that the chance of repeated measurement error was relatively minimal for the between-week trials. Conclusions: The CROM device is a reliable outcome tool for measuring upper cervical rotation. The clinical implications of these findings suggest that therapists can utilize the CROM device to more completely examine all planes of upper and full cervical mobility. It may also assist in identifying upper cervical ROM limitations associated with underlying cervical pathology or motion dysfunction.