Evaluating the reliability of VIMS strength testing device for the measurement of isometric cervical muscle strength in healthy population

Assessing muscle strength is a fundamental part of patient care for physiotherapists. The value of a reliable tool to assess muscle strength has been emphasized, both to determine functional impairment and to develop appropriate therapeutic interventions. A review has shown a lack of neck-strength assessment protocols that evaluate side flexion and rotation along with flexion and extension. Objective of this study is to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of this new measurement instrument of VIMS strength testing device. A total of healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 30 years were recruited. Inclusion criteria required absence of current cervical pain or condition that would compromise performance of a maximal isometric contraction of the cervical musculature; pain-free active flexion, extension, and side bending; and a negative Spurling compression test. The ICC in the present study indicated high correlation using a VIMS strength testing device in measurement of isometric cervical muscle strength. The ICC ranged from 0.86-0.96, which indicates good to excellent correlation in all movement directions tested. Their results demonstrated that inter-rated reliability was high for all tested positions of neck flexors (ICC=0.974), neck extensors (ICC=0.993), left side flexors (ICC=0.872), and right-side flexors (ICC=0.875). This study demonstrates that VIMS strength testing device is a safe (no adverse events reported), reliable means for measuring isometric cervical muscle strength in healthy population. this study showed excellent reliability in isometric measurement of maximal neck strength in healthy subjects using a VIMS strength testing device.