Active range of motion utilized in the cervical spine to perform daily functional tasks

This was a descriptive study to examine active range of motion required in the cervical spine during functional tasks of daily living. The objective of this study was to determine the mean active range of motion of the cervical spine required to perform 13 daily functional tasks. Previous research has examined the absolute ranges of cervical motion for women and men 20-60 years of age; however, no previous study has determined the amount and type of motion that is required for routine activities of daily living. Twenty-eight college-aged students (n = 28) served as healthy subjects and performed three trials of 13 daily tasks of functional activity. The subject's starting position and end range of motion for flexion-extension, rotation, and side bending of each task were observed and recorded using the cervical range of motion device. The three trials were averaged, and ranges of motion across the 28 subjects were reported. Of the 13 daily functional tasks performed, tying shoes (flexion-extension 66.7degrees), backing up a car (rotation 67.6degrees), washing hair in the shower (flexion-extension 42.9degrees), and crossing the street (rotation head left 31.7degrees and rotation head right 54.3degrees) required the greatest full active range of motion of the cervical spine. Flexion-extension and rotation of the cervical spine are important to enable functional activity. Four of the 13 daily tasks performed required 30-50% of active range of motion. Side bending was seen to be coupled with rotation in completion of tasks. This article provides a baseline of normal motion of the neck required for activities of daily living and can be used in the assessment of disease states and disability.