Narrow Results

Background: Range of motion (ROM) asymmetry between sides is one indicator of a positive neurodynamic test, but this has been less well studied for the ulnar nerve.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate side-to-side variation in elbow ROM during an ulnar neurodynamic test sequence, including contralateral cervical side flexion, in 40 asymptomatic subjects.

Methods: A traditional goniometer was used to measure elbow flexion ROM at two end points, onset of resistance ($R$1) and symptom onset ($P$1). Two repeated measures of $R$1 and $P$1 were taken on each side.

Results: Reliability for $R$1 and $P$1 was found to be good (ICC $\ge 0.83$, SEM $\le 5.37$) with no significant difference in mean ROM between sides. A significant relationship between sides was seen ($r$ values $\ge 0.48$) and $R^2$ values $>0.23$; this indicates at least 23% of the variance observed in one limb was accounted for by range in the opposite limb. This relationship was slightly stronger for $R$1 than $P$1. Lower bound scores indicate that intra-individual ROM difference $>23^{°}$ for $R$1 and 22^° for $P$1 would exceed normal ROM asymmetry.

Conclusion: These findings provide clinicians with background information of ROM asymmetry during the ulnar neurodynamic test.