Assessment of the Maximal Range of Motion from Initial Sensation of Stretching to the Limits of Tolerance.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the first sensation of stretching (ROMFSS) may predict the maximum range of motion (ROMMAX) in male (N = 37) and female (N = 32) volunteer subjects, and to assess the reliability of the ROM perceived by subjects in relation to a pre-determined ROM (ROM50%). Subjects attempted three experimental sessions with 48 hours between sessions 1 and 2 and 28 days between sessions 1 and 3. Within each session, five trials were performed with isokinetic equipment to assess posterior thigh muscle flexibility. The results revealed a strong and significant correlation between ROMMAX and ROMFSS for both sexes, females (r = 0.96, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.92) and males (r = 0.91, p < 0.001; R2 = 0.82). The accuracy of the model verified by the standard error of estimate (SEE) was high in the equations proposed for both female (SEE = 4.53%) and male (SEE = 5.45%). Our results revealed that ROMFSS may predict the ROMMAX for both male and female subjects. The ROMFSS may contribute to the development of evaluation methods that do not subject the individuals to conditions that may include unnecessary risk of injury and is well suited to monitor the training process of stretching exercises with submaximal loads.

Are neck pain scales and questionnaires compatible with the international classification of functioning, disability and health? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To identify neck-pain-specific questionnaires and scales that measure functioning and disability and assess whether their contents are comparable to the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in LILACS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTSDISCUS databases, identifying questionnaires and scales used to assess neck-related functioning and disability from 1966 to November 2007. Each item of each scale or questionnaire was extracted and classified according to the ICF categories. RESULTS: The databases yielded a total of 888 articles, of which seven questionnaires were identified and included in the review. A total of 74 items were analyzed, 27 linked to body function, 46 to activities and participation, 1 to environmental factors, and 5 to non-classified items. While the pain disability index tends to focus on limitations to body functions, the functional rating index and the Copenhagen neck functional disability scale appear to be limited to measuring activity. Three questionnaires (the neck Bournemouth Questionnaire, the neck disability index, and the neck pain and disability scale) have demonstrated a well-balanced distribution of items across the ICF components. CONCLUSION: Most identified questionnaires reflect limitations or restrictions in one component only. These results provide valuable information on the content quality of these questionnaires for health-care providers and researchers.