Validity and Reliability of the Six-minute Peg Board and Ring Test in Chronic Neck Pain

Validity and Reliability of the Six-minute Peg Board and Ring Test in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of six-minute peg board and ring test (6-PBRT) in individuals with chronic neck pain and to determine the applicability of the test for this patient population.

Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide and is a significant public health problem. Chronic neck pain is defined as the presence of pain in the neck region of individuals for more than twelve weeks. Chronic neck pain is a disorder that negatively affects the individual's daily life activities and causes labor force and economic losses by causing functional limitations, loss of work and disability. It is important to evaluate the physical fitness components in detail in individuals with chronic neck pain. It has been stated that neck pain reduces upper extremity performance.

Different measurement methods have been used to evaluate the upper extremity functions of individuals. Standard measurement tools are needed to evaluate the upper extremity exercise capacity in patients with chronic neck pain. The 6-PBRT is a valid, reliable, useful, practical and easy-to-apply test that evaluates the endurance of the upper extremity without support in healthy individuals and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The validity and reliability of 6-PBRT, which is used to evaluate functional upper extremity exercise capacity in different diseases, has not been investigated in individuals with chronic neck pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of 6-PBRT in individuals with chronic neck pain and to determine the applicability of the test for this patient population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with neck pain that has lasted at least 3 months due to problems such as cervical strain or sprain, cervical disc lesions, cervical spondylosis, facet joint dysfunction and myofascial pain syndrome,
• Those between the ages of 18-65,
• Individuals who volunteer to participate in the study will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neck pain severity under 3 point during activity according to Visual Analog Scale
• Motor deficit in upper extremity neurological examination
• Undergone any surgery related to neck problem
• Presence of cervical radiculopathy
• Undergone any upper extremity surgery,
• Presence of rheumatic and/or neurological disease or any disease affecting the vestibular system
• Presence of carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff syndrome, impingement syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, lateral and medial epicondylitis, hand osteoarthritis that will affect upper extremity and hand functions
• Individuals with cognitive dysfunction who will understand and apply the exercise test instructions will be excluded from the study.