Validity and Reliability of Tele-assessment of Head, Cervical Spine, and Shoulder Posture in People with Chronic Neck Pain

Background and Objectives In recent years, access to rehabilitation services has been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, Telehealth is suggested as a solution for providing physical therapy services. The present study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of online postural assessment of the cervical spine and shoulder region in people with chronic neck pain. Subjects and Methods A total of 23 participants with neck pain were recruited. The presence of shoulder symmetry, kyphosis, anterior and lateral head tilt, and relative scapula position were assessed using face-to-face and online methods. The satisfaction of participants with the online assessment was recorded. Each participant underwent online-based and conventional FTF assessments randomly in a single session. Results Online assessment of different scapula positions demonstrated poor to moderate agreement with face-to-face assessment. Online assessment indicators of head-neck angle, head tilt in the sagittal and frontal plane, shoulder alignment, and kyphosis had a high correlation coefficient with the face-to-face method. Furthermore, the percentage of agreement and intra-examiner reproducibility of this method was excellent for all indicators. Most participants displayed a good level of satisfaction with the online method. Conclusion Online postural assessment of the cervical spine is valid and reliable for measuring shoulder symmetry, kyphosis, anterior and lateral head tilt angle, and craniocervical angle in neck pain patients who do not have access to physical therapy services.