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Context Sacroiliac dysfunction is characterized by a hypomobility of the range of motion of the joint, followed by a positional change regarding the relationship between the sacrum and the iliac. In general, the clinical tests that evaluate the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and its dysfunctions lack validity and reliability values. Objectives This article aims to evaluate the construct validity and intra- and inter-rater reliability of the standing flexion test (STFT) and sitting flexion test (SIFT). Methods In this prospective study, the sample consisted of 30 individuals of both sexes, and the evaluation team was composed of five researchers. The evaluations took place on two different days: first day, inter-rater reliability and construct validity; and second day, intra-rater reliability. The reference standard for the construct validity was 3-dimensional measurements obtained utilizing the BTS SMART-DX system. For statistical analysis, the percentage (%) agreement and the kappa statistic (K) were utilized. Results The construct validity was determined for STFT (70% agreement; K=0.49; p<0.01) and SIFT (56.7% agreement; K=0.29; p<0.05). The intra-rater reliability was determined for STFT (66.3% agreement; K=0.43; p<0.01) and SIFT (56.7% agreement; K=0.38; p<0.01). The inter-rater reliability was determined for STFT (10% agreement; K=−0.02; p=0.825) and SIFT (13.3% agreement; K=0.01; p=0.836). Conclusions The STFT confirmed the construct validity and was reliable when applied by the same rater to healthy people, even if the rater had no experience. It was not possible to achieve minimum scores using the SIFT either for construct validity or reliability. We suggest that further studies be conducted to investigate the measurement properties of palpatory clinical tests for SIJ mobility, especially in symptomatic patients.

Objective: To verify if there is a correlation between the morphology of the cervical spine curvature, pain intensity, functional disability, and range of motion in individuals with cervicalgia. Methods: Thirty-nine individuals were evaluated using x-rays in the right sagittal plane (Cobb C1-C7 two-line method), visual analogue scale, Neck Disability Index questionnaire, and fleximeter. Descriptive statistical analysis (percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (independent t-test and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, α=0.05) were performed. Results: There were significant correlations, ranging from moderate to high, between functional capacity and pain intensity (r=0.637, p<0.001), and total range of motion (r=-0.568, p<0.001), and extension (r=-0.610, p<0.001), and between pain intensity and range of motion (r=-0.422, p=0.007). Regarding the morphology of the cervical spine curvature, none of the variables showed a significant correlation. Conclusions: Cervical morphology, more specifically related to the curvature in the sagittal plane, does not seem to interfere alone with pain, functionality, and range of motion. In contrast, it is possible to affirm that higher levels of pain generate a smaller range of cervical movement, especially of extension, which, in turn, results in greater functional losses in individuals with neck pain. Level of Evidence II; Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.

Introduction: Factors such as postural changes, reduced neck muscle endurance and reduced range of motion (ROM) are common characteristics attributed to people with neck pain. Objective: (a) Identify differences in postural, muscular endurance and ROM characteristics between individuals with and without neck pain and (b) relate the presence and intensity of neck pain with the characteristics of static posture, muscular endurance and cervical ROM. Method: A cross-sectional study with 60 subjects equally divided into two groups with respect to the presence of neck pain carrying out the following evaluations: (1) static postural evaluation by digital photogrammetry; (2) the neck flexor endurance test; and (3) evaluation of cervical ROM using a fleximeter. The data were analyzed with independent t-tests, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Spearman and Tau of Kendall correlation tests (α < 0.05). Results: There were no statistical differences between individuals with and without neck pain regarding the postural, muscle endurance and cervical ROM characteristics. No statistically significant correlations were found between pain and posture, muscle endurance and cervical ROM. Conclusion: Individuals with neck pain do not appear to present differences in their postural, neck flexor muscle endurance or cervical ROM characteristics when compared to individuals without neck pain, and neck pain appears to be unrelated to these variables.

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