The majority of musculoskeletal (MSD) impairments in the cervical (neck) region cannot be determined through MRIs or radiographs but are instead diagnosed through a clinical assessment technique using palpation. Palpatory diagnostic techniques are based on range of motion (ROM), tissue textures, quality of motion (smooth, elastic or bone on bone) and symmetry [1]. However, because scientifically accepted objective measures are not yet available to complement a clinical diagnosis, the documentation of the impairment as well as effects of treatment can be challenging. Thus, the purpose of this research was to explore the use of three-dimensional kinematics as a potential tool for relating movement patterns of the head/neck to clinical diagnosis and documenting treatment effects.

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