Active and Passive Cervical Flexion-rotation Tests

Motion limitations have been previously reported in people with headaches originating from the neck/cervicogenic headaches. A test involving flexing and rotating the neck has been found useful to diagnose this type of headache. This observational study investigates this neck motion test when performed actively by the patient and passively by the examiner, then compares the results of motion attained.

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Key information

Conditions

Cervicogenic Headaches Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Headache Disorders Headache Disorders, Secondary Nervous System Diseases Post-Traumatic Headache

Age range

20 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Des Moines University

Des Moines, Iowa, 50312, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

One-sided headaches
Headaches caused by neck movement or sustained head positioning
Neck, shoulder, or arm pain
Intermittent headaches at least one headache per week for greater than 2 months
Headaches of moderate intensity

Exclusion criteria

A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Current pregnancy
International Headache Society criteria for other headache forms (such as tension or migraine)
Cervical radiculopathy
Treatment for headaches by a physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, or osteopath in the past month
Positive test for vertebral artery insufficiency or cranial-vertebral ligament instability

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Cervical Range of Motion in degrees with the Flexion Rotation Test

Time frame: Baseline only

Two versions of this test were examined. A motion analysis system was used to measure degrees of motion. The test was done in two ways on each subject. Subjects sat in a chair, looked downward, then rotated their head/neck each direction. Subjects laid on their back while an examiner lifted their head, then rotated it each direction (same motion as described for the active test in the previous sentence).

Within session reliability was also examined.

Secondary outcomes

Northwick park neck disability index

Time frame: Baseline only

This self-report questionnaire was completed by subjects prior to testing. It was not re-assessed as an outcome but rather used for baseline description of the subjects included in the study.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Des Moines University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Comparison of Range of Motion During the Active and Passive Flexion-rotation Tests in Subjects Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

Important dates

Study start: 2009
Primary completion: 2011
Study completion: 2011
First posted: Feb 25, 2014
Registry last updated: Feb 25, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed