Abstract
Introduction. Restricted range of cervical motion (ROM), decreased pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and hypersensitive responses to the brachial plexus provocation test (BPPT) are features of chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD). It is not known if these physical measures are related to self reported pain and disability. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between ROM, PPT and responses to the BPPT with self reported pain and disability in subjects with chronic WAD.
Method. ROM, PPTs and responses to the BPPT were measured in 151 subjects with chronic WAD. Self reported pain and disability was measured using the Northwick Park Neck Pain and Disability Questionnaire (NPQ) and pain description using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Canonical correlations and stepwise regression analyses were performed.
Results. There were weak to moderate correlations between NPQ scores and ROM (r = −0.41) and responses to the BPPT (r = 0.36) (p < 0.01). Rotation ROM, pain scores with the BPPT and PPTs over C5–6 were significant predictors of NPQ scores (r2 = 0.223). None of the physical measures predicted the MPQ pain rating index.
Conclusion. Physical measures of motor and sensory function were not strong predictors of pain and disability or pain description in chronic whiplash.