Test-retest repeatability of strength capacity, aerobic power and pericranial tenderness of neck and shoulder muscles in children - relevant for tension-type headache

Abstract

BackgroundFrequent or chronic tension-type headache in children is a prevalent and debilitating condition for the child, often leading to medication overuse. To explore the relationship between physical factors and tension-type headache in children, the quality of repeated measures was examined. The aim of the present study was to determine the test-retest repeatability of parameters determining isometric neck and shoulder strength and stability, aerobic power, and pericranial tenderness in children.MethodsTwenty-five healthy children, 9 to 18 years of age, participated in test-retest procedures within a 1-week interval. A computerized padded force transducer was used for testing. The tests included the isometric maximal voluntary contraction and force steadiness of neck flexion and extension, and the isometric maximal voluntary contraction and rate of force of the dominant shoulder. Pericranial tenderness was recorded by means of standardized manual palpation, and a submaximal cycle ergometer test predicted maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max). The measurements were evaluated in steps, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); changes in the mean between the two test occasions; the levels of agreement, visualized in Bland-Altman Plots; and by quantifying the variability.ResultsThe results showed an acceptable test-retest repeatability of isometric maximal voluntary contraction (ICC 0.90–0.97). The force steadiness measurements revealed a trend of systematic changes in the direction of neck flexion and need further examination in both healthy and ill children. The rate of force development, Total Tenderness Score, and prediction of VO2 max showed repeatability, with ICC 0.80–0.87.ConclusionThe measurements of strength capacity, aerobic power, and tenderness provide acceptable repeatability, suitable for research in children.

Handgrip force steadiness in young and older adults: a reproducibility study

“…This is the first report to explore the reproducibility of handgrip steadiness. Previous studies used different muscle groups, most used CVM, and included fewer participants [ 22 – 27 ]. An improvement in force steadiness at retest was seen with most measures and statistically significant in our study.…”

“…So far, only a few studies have investigated the reliability of measures on force steadiness [ 22 – 27 ]. In general, results are mixed, but usually poorer compared to values seen with maximal strength assessments.…”

Pericranial Tenderness in Females With Episodic Cervical Headache vs Asymptomatic Controls: A Cross-sectional Study

“…[33][34][35] The TTS is recognized worldwide as both a scale and a tenderness measure used in muscular and headache research. 36 Headache intensity 37 (100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)/week), duration (hours/day) and frequency (days/month) were secondary outcomes extracted from the 'Belgian Headache Society' diary which was completed by the Headache-group four weeks before the start of the measurements. Afterwards averages were calculated.…”

Children and Adolescents with Primary Tension‐Type Headaches: Research and Practice Perspectives for Non‐ Pharmacological Interdisciplinary Headache Service

“…To picture hypersensitivity tenderness in all pericranial sites would be expected. There is a need for revalidation of the TTS with the use of a calibrated palpometer in order to avoid large test-retest variations as found by Tornoe et al [21] There is also a need for more research in order to establish a cut-off value between normal and pathological levels of tenderness in children. Table 2 presents the bilateral pericranial sites originally used in research for TTS.…”