The relationship between cervical range of motion, head-repositioning accuracy, and postural stability in healthy adults

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the inter-relationship between cervical range of motion (CROM), head-repositioning accuracy (HRA), postural stability and their correlation with age and gender in healthy adults. Methods: A correlational study using cross-sectional design with convenient sampling was conducted. Thirty subjects with no previous history of neck pain or injury to the cervical spine in the previous 6 months were recruited. Subjects' CROM was measured by a cervical range of motion device. HRA was measured by equipment including laser pointer, helmet, goggles and marking pens. Postural stability was assessed by Biodex Balance System. Findings: CROM was shown to be negatively correlated to HRA and postural stability (P<0.05) although the reliability coefficient was poor (r ranged from −0.0017 to 0.64). HRA was positively correlated to postural stability (P<0.05), yet the reliability coefficient was poor (r ranged from 0.12 to 0.41). Results also demonstrated positive correlation between age and all the variables measured (P<0.05). Gender did not show any effect on the outcome measures. Conclusion: HRA showed positive correlation with postural stability while CROM showed negative correlation to HRA and postural stability. All measured variables decrease with the increase of age while gender did not show any correlation with the outcome measures.