Measuring Cervical Rotation During Telehealth

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Measuring cervical rotation virtually can be challenging during telehealth. The objective of this study was to proof the concept of measuring cervical rotation virtually during telehealth. METHODS: Subjects were instructed to sit in a chair with back supported and face to a computer with video conferencing platform communicating remotely with another computer. The subjects were instructed to rotate their neck from 0° to the end range with increments of 10°. Cervical rotation (CRoM) was calculated based on the changes of the distance between the subject's eyes on the screenshot. Data analysis included descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The mean CRoM was 0.0 (SD 0.0), 14.3 (3.4), 28.5 (5.1), 39.9 (5.9), 49.2 (6.5), 57.7 (6.8), 65.5 (6.9), 72.6 (5.5), and 80.8° (3.7°) from 0 to 80° in 10° increments, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was 0.99, indicating a very high correlation. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed that 91.7% (111 out of 121) of the CRoM fell within the limits of agreement (95% confidence interval). DISCUSSION: Cervical rotation can be measured virtually using the changes of the distance between subject's eyes. No additional devices are required so it would work well for most patients.