Craniocervical Flexion Test Reference Values and Relationship With Age and Sex in Healthy Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish reference values for the Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT) in healthy volunteers and to explore the relationship between age and sex on the CCFT.

Methods: This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was developed in the assessment room of the Physiotherapy department at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. The study included healthy subjects between 18 and 75 years old. CCFT and sociodemographic variables, such as pain or physical activity, were collected. Linear regression models were developed with age and sex as the only predictor variables. Adjusted models were developed factoring in the sociodemographic information.

Results: A total of 122 volunteers (61 males, 61 females) between 18 and 75 years old participated in the study. The mean CCFT for the sample was 25.48 (3.3) mm Hg. Linear regression model by sex showed a coefficient of 1.11 mm Hg (CI 95%: -0.06, 2.29; p = .062) with men demonstrating 1.11 mm Hg more than women. Linear regression models by age strata showed a coefficient of -0.17 mm Hg (CI 95%: -0.51, 0.18 p = .347) for each decade of age. Variables related to sociodemographic information showed no significant effect.

Conclusion: Gender and age have no relationship with the results of CCFT in healthy volunteers. The reference value for the Craniocervical flexion test in 122 healthy adults was 25.48 (3.30) mm Hg. This value may help therapists examine/set goals for patients with head/neck pain.