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Background <p>Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common musculoskeletal condition that markedly compromises functional capacity and overall quality of life. Precise and consistent evaluation of cervical muscle strength is critical for accurate diagnosis, effective monitoring, and the formulation of targeted rehabilitation strategies.</p> Objective <p>This study aimed to evaluate the intra-rater reliability, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Smallest detectable difference (SDD) of the MicroFET2 handheld dynamometer (HHD) in assessing cervical muscle strength among individuals with CNP having sensorimotor deficits.</p> Methods <p>Ninety-one individuals (adults aged 18–60&#xa0;years; 36 males and 55 females) with clinically diagnosed CNP having sensorimotor deficit were assessed using the MicroFET2 device in a test–retest design, in two sessions spaced three days apart. Cervical strength was measured in six directions: flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, left lateral flexion, right rotation, and left rotation. Reliability metrics included the Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), SEM, and SDD. Agreement between sessions was visualized using Bland–Altman plots.</p> Results <p>The MicroFET2 device exhibited good to excellent intra-rater reliability, with ICCs ranging from 0.71 to 0.98. While most movements demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC ≥ 0.90), flexion showed comparatively lower reliability (ICC = 0.71), though still within acceptable limits. The SEM ranged between 0.60 and 2.45&#xa0;N, while the corresponding SDDs ranged from 1.66 to 6.79 N. Bland–Altman analysis revealed narrow limits of agreement, indicating a high degree of measurement consistency across repeated assessments.</p> Conclusion <p>The MicroFET2 HHD demonstrates good to excellent intra-rater reliability for assessing cervical muscle strength in patients with CNP. Its practicality, affordability, and accuracy support its integration into clinical and research protocols.</p>

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Reliability of a handheld dynamometer for assessing cervical muscle strength in chronic neck pain with sensorimotor deficit

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月15日

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  • Sahar Zaidi,
  • Saquib Anjum,
  • Md Farhan Alam,
  • Habiba Sundus,
  • Sohrab Ahmad Khan

摘要

Background

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common musculoskeletal condition that markedly compromises functional capacity and overall quality of life. Precise and consistent evaluation of cervical muscle strength is critical for accurate diagnosis, effective monitoring, and the formulation of targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the intra-rater reliability, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Smallest detectable difference (SDD) of the MicroFET2 handheld dynamometer (HHD) in assessing cervical muscle strength among individuals with CNP having sensorimotor deficits.

Methods

Ninety-one individuals (adults aged 18–60 years; 36 males and 55 females) with clinically diagnosed CNP having sensorimotor deficit were assessed using the MicroFET2 device in a test–retest design, in two sessions spaced three days apart. Cervical strength was measured in six directions: flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, left lateral flexion, right rotation, and left rotation. Reliability metrics included the Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), SEM, and SDD. Agreement between sessions was visualized using Bland–Altman plots.

Results

The MicroFET2 device exhibited good to excellent intra-rater reliability, with ICCs ranging from 0.71 to 0.98. While most movements demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC ≥ 0.90), flexion showed comparatively lower reliability (ICC = 0.71), though still within acceptable limits. The SEM ranged between 0.60 and 2.45 N, while the corresponding SDDs ranged from 1.66 to 6.79 N. Bland–Altman analysis revealed narrow limits of agreement, indicating a high degree of measurement consistency across repeated assessments.

Conclusion

The MicroFET2 HHD demonstrates good to excellent intra-rater reliability for assessing cervical muscle strength in patients with CNP. Its practicality, affordability, and accuracy support its integration into clinical and research protocols.