Normative values and inter-rater reliability of deep neck flexor muscle endurance test

Deep neck flexor muscle endurance test is valuable in assessment of patients with forward head posture, neck pain, migraine & headache. Little data is available regarding normative values of DNF muscle endurance test in Indian population. The current study established the normative data for performance of deep cervical flexor muscle endurance test in a group of active males and females. Ninety asymptomatic subjects were divided in three age groups (20-30yrs., 30-40yrs. & 40-50yrs.) & interrater reliabilty was tested. Normative values obtained for three age groups, 20-30yrs., 30-40yrs., 40–50 yrs. were 61.9±13.6, 58.6±10.6 & 54.6±10.6 respectively. Inter-rater reliability is analyzed by using Intra Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Value of ICC obtained is positive i.e. 0.91(0.87–0.94).