Factors associated with cervical arterial dysfunction: a survey of physical therapist educators in the United States

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the key constructs associated with symptom description and behavior, natural history of complaints, and previous medical history of cervical arterial dysfunction (CAD) according to a panel of physical therapist (PT) educators.

Methods: An electronic survey was conducted of licensed PT educators currently involved in musculoskeletal physical therapy education within a credentialed program. Survey prompts queried educators to list the subjective and objective items associated with CAD, in open-text format. Responses were coded to identify unique themes (constructs). Principal axis factor analysis with Varimax rotation was performed to identify underlying constructs associated with CAD according to the panel of educators.

Results: Seventy-two educators completed the survey (24.2% response rate) resulting in 50 identified unique items through thematic coding. Factor analysis (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy = .679, Bartlett’s test of sphericity (x²(351) = 1129.06. p < .001), resulted in a four-factor solution: ‘5Ds and 3 Ns,’ ‘Other Neurological Findings,’ ‘Signs & Symptoms in Rotation and/or Extension,’ and ‘General Health.’

Discussion: According to the PT educators in this study, the factors associated with CAD appear to reflect the IFOMPT guidelines. The responses and subsequent factor analysis demonstrate the lack of any one clinical finding for the identification of CAD in a patient with neck pain.

Level of Evidence: V.

KEYWORDS:

• Neck pain
• arterial dysfunction
• examination

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

No funding source was included in this project.

Notes on contributors

Bradley J. Myers

Bradley J. Myers is a physical therapist and educator within the Campbell University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. His clinical and research interests include the appropriate application of manual therapy techniques with exercise interventions within orthopedic dysfunctions, and the identification of motor control dysfunctions as a precursor/result of musculoskeletal impairments.

Deborah Davey

Deborah Davey Davey is a physical therapist and educator within the University of Illinois at Chicago Doctor of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Programs.  Her clinical and research interests include musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain management, and health disparities.

Chad E. Cook

Chad E. Cook is a clinical researcher, physical therapist and academic program director of Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Duke University. His passions include refining and improving the patient examination process and validating tools used in day-to-day physical therapist practice.