• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.105-114
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• 2023

Objective: The study examined the validity and reliability of tele-assessment of cervical range of motion (ROM) through video conferencing. Design: A cross-sectional study Methods: The study included 22 healthy adults as subjects and 10 physical therapists as evaluators. The subjects underwent both face-to-face and tele-assessment of cervical ROM. The CROM (Cervical Range of Motion) device was used for reference measurements in the face-to-face assessment. The evaluators assessed the subjects' ROM through visual inspection (VI) and using a Universal Goniometer (UG) in the tele-assessment. Results: The results showed a significant correlation between the face-to-face and tele-assessment measurements for all ROM contents. The correlation coefficients ranged from r=0.54 to 0.71 (p<0.05), indicating concurrent validity. In terms of inter-rater reliability, the ICC values for both VI and UG assessments in the tele-assessment were high, with ICCs of 0.93 and 0.92, respectively. Additionally, the study investigated the usability of the tele-assessment method and environment. The satisfaction of the participants and evaluators was assessed using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), which evaluates perceptions, usability, and satisfaction with telehealth services. Conclusions: In conclusion, tele-assessment of cervical range of motion using video conferencing was valid and reliable. Also, investigated participant and evaluator satisfaction and opinions, providing insights into the clinical value of tele-assessment. It is important to note that the study was conducted only healthy adults, and further research may be needed to validate the tele-assessment method in populations with cervical dysfunction or neck pain. These findings support the potential effectiveness of telerehabilitation services in assessing and managing musculoskeletal disorders.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.99-108
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• 2000

This study was performed to investigate the effect of suboccipital stretch on the head and neck posture and the electromyographic(EMG) activity of some cervical muscles. For this study, 39 patients with temporomandibular disorders(TMD) and 34 dental students without any signs and symptoms in the masticatory system were selected as the patients group and as the normal group, respectively. Head position by goniometer CROM$^{(R)}$(Performance attainment, St. Paul, USA), EMG activity by BioEMG$^{(R)}$(Bioresearch Inc., Milwaukee, USA), and craniocervical posture by cephaloradiography were observed in both natural head posture(NHP) and head posture with suboccipital stretch(tuck posture) abtained from slight posteroinferior finger pressure on the chin. Variables measured on the cephaloradiograph were SN angle, atlas angle, CVT angle, occiput-atlas and atlas-axis distance, and pharyngeal width. The data obtained were analysed by SPSS windows program and the results of this study were as follows : 1. In the sagittal plane, degree of anterior rotation of the head by suboccipital stretch was 6.3 in the patients group, and 6.2 in the normal group, respectively. So there was no significant difference between the two groups for degree of anterior rotation, but the position of the head in the patients group were more posteriorly extended than in the normal group in both NHP and tuck posture. 2. EMG activity of the stemocleidomastoideus in the patients group, and that of the upper trapezius and the sternocleidomastoideus in the normal group were increased by suboccipital stretch. The range of EMG activity, however, in these cervical muscles were 1.6 -2.3)u.V. 3. Cephalometric variables such as SN angle, atlas angle, CVT angle, occiput-atlas and atlas-axis distance except pharyngeal width were generally increased by suboccipital stretch. There was some difference, however, in results between the two groups. Atlas angle was not changed in the patients group whereas CVT angle was not changed in the normal group. 4. The distance from subocciput to spinous process of axis was significantly increased as much as 3.0mm in the patients group, and 3.7mm in the normal group by suboccipital stretch.