Unsupported Upper Extremity Exercise Test in Chronic Neck Pain

Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

The aim of this study was to examine the validity and test-retest reliability of unsupported upper extremity exercise test (UULEX) in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Patients with neck pain lasting at least 3 months will be included in the study. It is planned to examine the validity and test-retest reliability of the UULEX test in that patient groups.

Persons with chronic neck pain may limit the functional use of their upper extremities. It is recommended to determine appropriate upper extremity measurement methods in patients with chronic neck pain. Therefore the aim of this study was to examine the validity and test-retest reliability of unsupported upper extremity exercise test (UULEX) in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Six Minute Pegboard Ring Test, 30-Second Push-Up Test and Arm, Shoulder and Hand Injury Questionnaire (DASH), Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, New York Posture Rating Chart and Short Form-36 Health Survey were used to evaluate the validity of the test. For test-retest reliability, the unsupported upper extremity test was repeated 1 week later by the same investigator.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-65 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of additional disease affecting upper extremity and hand functions (carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, impingement syndrome,thoracic outlet syndrome, lateral and medial epicondylitis, hand osteoarthritis, etc.),
• having undergone upper extremity or cervical region surgery
• cervical radiculopathy, rheumatic disease, presence of neurological symptoms
• According to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), neck pain intensity in activity is less than 3,
• Acute or chronic respiratory illness
• Cardiac disease
• Problem recognizing verbal commands
• Pregnancy