[Cervicocephalic relocation test: a study of performance stability].

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present experiment was to determine the reliability of the cervicocephalic relocation test (CRT). METHODOLOGY Thirteen young healthy adults were recruited to undergo a CRT test-retest. The test-retest reliability was determined by repeatedly measuring CR to a neutral position after active movement, with trials approximately 1 hour apart. Each CRT involved 20 CRs to a natural head position, 10 repositioning after right head rotation, and 10 repositioning after left head rotation (with the order of rotation sides randomized). The performance score for each subject for each CRT was the mean of the errors made during the 20 relocations (in degrees). STUDY RESULTS The mean rate of error of the first and second trials was 3.2+/-1.1 degrees and 2.9+/-0.9 degrees, respectively. The intra class correlation coefficient was 0.81, and the standard error of measurement 0.90 degrees. CONCLUSION CRT testing supports evidence of reliable cervicocephalic performance stability in healthy young adults. CRT shows promise as a relevant tool of assessment in head and neck proprioception.