MCNeck

Neck pain is one of the leading causes for disability (Hoy et al., 2014; Vos et al., 2012), and is considered as multifaceted (Côté et al., 2003). Besides dimension like sensorimotor disfunctions, pain mechanisms, psychological and social factors, it can be assumed that movement control is another dimension that could influence neck pain or contribute to the often typically recurrent course of neck pain (Patroncini et al., 2014). Research shows correlations between movement control impairment and neck pain (Falla et al., 2004; Sahrmann, 2002). Unlike back pain where the importance of movement control has been demonstrated (Luomajoki et al., 2010), there is no consensus about which tests would be most clinically relevant to assess movement control among patients with neck pain. 

To investigate the meaning of movement control in patients with neck pain, we first need to have recommendations on how to assess movement control for the neck, i.e., which tests are considered clinically relevant for the assessment of movement control in patients with neck pain. Therefore, we will investigate the opinions of experienced clinicians and researchers in the field of neck pain with the help of a Delphi study. 

The aim is
a) to gather a consensus among physiotherapists on which tests are clinically relevant to assess movement control in patients with neck pain and
b) to provide recommendations for the assessment of movement control of the neck in patients with neck pain by physiotherapists.