Reference:Pinsault N1, et al Test-retest reliability of cervicocephalic relocation test to neutral head position. Physiother Theory Pract. 2008 Sep-Oct;24(5):380-91.
Studies have shown that JPS is reduced in some individuals with neck pain, particularly in those with whiplash associated disorders.
As PTs, we acknowledge the importance of neck proprioception evaluation and training …but how do we do this without putting their heads on wobble boards?
To evaluate cervical JPS, once again an adjustable laser pointer (www.starmatrehab.com) is attached to a patients head with a head strap.
With the eyes closed, they are requested to slowly turn the head to the right as far as comfortable and then slowly return back to their neutral head position as accurately as possible.
Upon return, the new position of the laser is noted and the patient is asked to open their eyes.
The distance between the new position of the laser and the center of the target is measured (estimated).
The test is repeated for neck extension, and flexion.
What is “Normal”?
Inside the center red target (0-4cm error) is considered excellent
Within the first grey zone (4-8cm error) is considered good
Within the second red zone (8-12cm error) is considered fair / normal
Anywhere outside the second red zone (greater than 12cm error) is considered poor
For cervical JPS home program, no laser beam or STARmat wall target is required.
The patient is to simply close their eyes and consciously with full awareness move their neck in a clock pattern (12 directions) several times a day. This is the single most valuable exercise for my patients with WADs.
If you learn only one thing from this Report, I hope it is this one neck exercise!
