OBJECTIVE: To describe a new method for measuring lateral neck flexion range of motion (ROM), document the reliability of the method and present estimates of normal.

SUBJECTS: One hundred thirty-five subjects ranging in age from 14-95 yr. Two physical therapists with 13 and 2 yr of experience, respectively, served as testers.

INTERVENTION: Measurement of active lateral neck flexion ROM using a universal goniometer modified by the placement of a portion of a small paper clip through the axis. The goniometer arms were aligned with the subject's nose, and the free-swinging paper clip (pendulum) was used as a marker. The more experienced therapist measured lateral flexion of 100 subjects to establish intratester reliability and estimates of normal. Both therapists measured 35 subjects to determine intertester reliability.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Degrees of lateral neck flexion.

RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients for intratester reliability exceeded 0.90. Coefficients for intertester reliability were 0.86 and 0.65. ROM decreased with increasing age.

CONCLUSION: The modified goniometer is inexpensive, easy to use and can yield high intratester reliability and satisfactory intertester reliability. The estimates of normal provide preliminary values with which a patient's lateral neck flexion ROM can be compared.

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