Overview

Cervical flexion/extension evaluates the range of motion and quality of movement in the neck during forward and backward bending. This assessment provides valuable information about cervical spine mobility and function.

Instructions

From a standing position facing forward, flex the neck bringing your chin close to your chest and hold for ~1 second. Then extend your neck and look up as far as possible, also holding for ~1 second, before returning to the starting position. Keep your back straight and shoulders square during the motion.

Dimensions

Required inputs for processing:
  • None

Discrete Metrics

MetricData TypeUnitsDescriptionColumn Name
MaxFlexionFloatdegreesMaximum cervical flexion (90° offset)cervical_peak_flexion
MaxExtensionFloatdegreesMaximum cervical extension (90° offset)cervical_peak_extension
FlexionExtensionROMFloatdegreesTotal range of motioncervical_flexion_extension_range_of_motion
MaxFlexionSufficientBoolean-Whether flexion is sufficient (≥ 45°)functional_cervical_flexion
MaxExtensionSufficientBoolean-Whether extension is sufficient (≥ 70°)functional_cervical_extension
FlexionExtensionROMSufficientBoolean-Whether total ROM is sufficient (≥ 115°)functional_cervical_flexion_extension_range_of_motion

Notes

  • Measurements are based on FreeHeadAngleWRTTrunkXYZ.X with 90° offset
  • Sufficient flexion is defined as ≥ 45°
  • Sufficient extension is defined as ≥ 70°
  • Sufficient total ROM is defined as ≥ 115°