REDUCED MOBILITY IN THE CERVICOTHORACIC MOTION SEGMENT - A RISK FACTOR FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL NECK-SHOULDER PAIN - A 2-YEAR PROSPECTIVE FOLLOW-UP-STUDY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in C7-T1 mobility in order to decide whether inverse C7-T1 function, defined as equal o r less mobility in motion segment C7-T1 compared with T1-T2, could be used for prediction of neck-shoulder pain (NSP). One hundred and sixty -one female laundry workers participated in a prospective two-year fol low-up study which included a self-report questionnaire and clinical e xaminations, The present study showed that the incidence of inverse C7 -T1 function was 33% per year and subjects classified as having an inv erse C7-T1 function three or more times during the follow-up period ha d an elevated risk of NSP (RR 3.1, CI 95% 1.1-6.9), According to the a uthors' interpretation, lack of synchronous mobility distribution betw een adjacent motion segments might be a provoking factor, Inverse C7-T 1 function predicts NSP related to the cervico-thoracic articulations and yields a positive predictive value of 84%, Assessments must be rep eated, however.