Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate (1) the average hold time for the deep neck flexors
(DNF) endurance test in subjects without neck pain or pathology, and (2) whether
different groups of subjects categorized by age, gender, and lifestyle display
different hold times. A convenience sample
of 126 adults participated. Intertester reliability of 4 therapists was
evaluated by using intraclass correlation coefficients. The DNF endurance test
hold time was conducted on each subject twice. The 2 hold-time scores were
averaged and recorded. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability coefficient of
reproducibility for DNF muscle endurance measured by 4 physical therapists was
ICC (2,k) 0.66 (confidence interval, 0.34-0.86). The mean (SD) DNF endurance hold
times for men was 38.9 +/- 20.1 seconds, whereas women was 29.4 +/- 13.7 seconds.
Results of the 2 x 2 analysis of variance indicated that gender significantly
influenced DNF endurance (F = 8.643; P = .004), whereas, the activity level did
not (F = 3.143; P = .079). Correlations were not significant between age and DNF
endurance (r = 0.11; P = .2) and between activity level and DNF endurance (r =
-0.156; P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic men displayed greater DNF endurance
than women. The variability between subjects' DNF endurance capabilities was
high. Age between 20 and 80 years and activity level did not affect DNF
endurance. This is the first normative data set available for the DNF endurance
test, which lays the foundation for further research in subjects with a history
of cervicalgia and assists clinicians to objectify a milestone for DNF endurance
deficits in patients.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS