Test – re-test reliability and concurrent validity of cervical active range of motion in young asymptomatic adults using a new inertial measurement unit device

Abstract

Objectives Cervical range of motion (CROM) is one of the first things evaluated in cervical disorders. DyCare-Lynx is an inertial measurement unit device that was recently designed to measure CROM. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to test the reliability and validity of the DyCare-Lynx device for active CROM. Materials and Methods This study included 36 healthy individuals for the reliability study and 31 individuals for the validity study. Test-retest reliability was examined in three different days, by the same examiner with a 4 +/- 1-day interval between them in all cervical movements in random order. For validity, the CROM was tested with the Zebris Motion Analysis system and DyCare-Lynx simultaneously. Results The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the DyCare-Lynx ranged from 0.54 to 0.90. The standard error of measurement (SEM) ranged from 2.12 degrees-7.65 degrees. The smallest detectable change (SDD) ranged from 11.25% to 29.75%. The Pearson's r correlation of DyCare-Lynx with Zebris ranged from 0.655 to 0.957. Conclusion DyCare-Lynx showed moderate to excellent reliability and moderate-to-high validity. Moreover, SEM was low with acceptable SDD values for all movements. Overall, it can be suggested that DyCare-Lynx is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate active CROM.