Psychometric Properties of a Digital Goniometer in Upper and Lower Cervical Range of Motion Measurement.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the intrarater reliability and criterion validity of a digital goniometer for measuring cervical range of motion including an active sitting version of the cervical flexion rotation test, an important clinical measure for capturing upper cervical dysfunction.

Methods: A cross-sectional study (n = 18; 78% women) examined total cervical and upper cervical active ranges of motion (flexion, extension, side bending, rotation) measured concurrently using 3 measurement methods (a digital goniometer, the cervical range-of-motion instrument, and 3-dimensional motion analysis). Intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1), Pearson correlation coefficients (digital goniometer versus 3-dimensional motion analysis), and minimum detectable change were calculated.

Results: There was moderate to excellent intrarater reliability for the digital goniometer and good to excellent criterion validity of the digital goniometer for all cervical motions except left lateral flexion which was moderate (0.70). The sitting upper cervical flexion rotation test showed good to excellent reliability and validity. The minimal detectable change for the digital goniometer ranged from 3 to 8 degrees across cervical motions.

Conclusion: In individuals without neck pain, a digital goniometer device was a reliable, valid, and an easy-to-administer clinical tool for measuring total cervical range of motion as well as for capturing upper cervical motion.