Side-to-side elbow range of movement variability in an ulnar neurodynamic test sequence variant in asymptomatic people.

Abstract

Background:Range of motion (ROM) asymmetry between sides is one indicator of a positive neurodynamic test, but this has been less well studied for the ulnar nerve.Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate side-to-side variation in elbow ROM during an ulnar neurodynamic test sequence, including contralateral cervical side flexion, in 40 asymptomatic subjects.Methods:A traditional goniometer was used to measure elbow flexion ROM at two end points, onset of resistance (1) and symptom onset (1). Two repeated measures of 1 and 1 were taken on each side.Results:Reliability for 1 and 1 was found to be good (ICC , SEM ) with no significant difference in mean ROM between sides. A significant relationship between sides was seen ( values ) and values ; this indicates at least 23% of the variance observed in one limb was accounted for by range in the opposite limb. This relationship was slightly stronger for 1 than 1. Lower bound scores indicate that intra-individual ROM difference for 1 and 22° for 1 would exceed normal ROM asymmetry.Conclusion:These findings provide clinicians with background information of ROM asymmetry during the ulnar neurodynamic test.