Correlation between craniocervical flexion test performance index and sternocleidomastoid activity in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain

Authors

  • Sonam Z. Bhutia, MSc student, PT Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
  • Mantana Vongsirinavarat, PhD, PT Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4008-1071
  • Pichaya Hengsomboon, PhD, PT Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3388-3546
  • Kamolchai Lobleekpal, MSc student, PT Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
  • Ratchanok Kraiwong, PhD, PT Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9533-7348

Keywords:

chronic neck pain, motor control, deep cervical flexors, craniocervical flexion test, electromyography, sternocleidomastoid

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to explore the relationship between the craniocervical flexion test performance index (CCFTPI) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle activation, in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP).

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 20 individuals with CNSNP was conducted. Participants performed the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) while the SCM activity was recorded using surface EMG. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the relationships between CCFTPI and SCM activation at the highest pressure stage of the CCFT, using a statistical significance level of a =  0.05.

Results: The CCFTPI score is this sample ranged from 120 to 300. The analysis revealed a statistically significant results of moderate negative correlation between CCFTPI and left SCM activation (ρ = –0.503, p = 0.024. This suggest that improved deep cervical flexion (DCF) function is linked to reduced superficial muscle activation. While the correlation for right SCM activation was negative, but not statistically significant (ρ = –0.344, p = 0.138). However, we observed a strong positive correlation between left and right SCM activation (ρ = 0.815, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: These findings indicate that individuals with better deep cervical flexor function tend to exhibit lower SCM activation, suggesting that rehabilitation programs aiming to improve deep cervical flexor performance may help reduce compensatory superficial muscle activity. Future research could investigate the long-term effects of targeted interventions on neuromuscular patterns and clinical outcomes in this population.

References

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Published

2025-06-12

How to Cite

1.
Bhutia SZ, Vongsirinavarat M, Hengsomboon P, Lobleekpal K, Kraiwong R. Correlation between craniocervical flexion test performance index and sternocleidomastoid activity in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. Int. Phys. Ther. Res. Symp. 11th [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 12 [cited 2025 Nov. 7];11(1):125-3. Available from: https://conference.in.th/index.php/IPTRS2025/article/view/Bhutia_et_al.2025

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Vol. 11 No. 1 (2025): The 11th International Physical Therapy Research Symposium 2025 (IPTRS 2025)

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Oral Presentation (Full proceedings)

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