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Measurement properties of tests evaluating the sensorimotor capacities of the neck. A systematic Review.

Neck

Background/Aim
The evaluation of sensorimotor capacities in patients with neck pain is a part of the multidimensional management of neck patients. However, a comprehensive systematic overview on the measurement properties of tests evaluating the different aspects of sensorimotor capacities is not available. Therefore the aim of this systematic review is to investigate the measurement properties reliability and measurement error of existing tests evaluating sensorimotor capacities in patients with neck pain.

Methods 
MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO will be searched for studies reporting measurement properties of tests evaluating sensorimotor capacities of the neck, including aspects for sensory, motor and central integration. Abstracts and fulltexts will be screened independently by two reviewers. Data for study characteristics, instrument characteristics and measurement properties, specifically reliability and measurement error will be extracted independently by two reviewers and checked by a third reviewer. The methodological quality of the studies will be evaluated according to the COSMIN checklist. The measurement properties will be assessed based on predefined criteria proposed by the COSMIN group. Data will be pooled if possible, and a synthesis of the evidence will be performed to provide a statement of the strength of evidence.

Discussion
The planed systematic review will provide a comprehensive overview of the measurement properties reliability and measurement error of existing tests evaluating sensorimotor capacities of the neck used in physiotherapy. In order to integrate sensorimotor tests in the multidimensional management approach for patients with neck pain, we need to know if the tests are reliable, whether sensorimotor capacities are associated with neck pain and whether there is a causal relationship between sensorimotor capacities and neck pain. In this systematic review we will answer the first of these three issues.

In collaboration with: