Cranio‐cervical Flexion Test

Be the first to edit this page and have your name permanently included as the originating editor, see the editing pages tutorial for help.

Original Editor - Your name will be added here if you created the original content for this page. Lead Editors - If you would like to be a lead editor on this page, please contact us.

Purpose

The cranio cervical flexion test (CFFT) is a clinical test of the anatomical action of the deep cervical flexor muscles[2, C]. The test could be described as a test of neuromotor control. The features that are tested are the activation of the deep flexors and the isometric endurance of the muscles [2, C]. The test also allows to assess the interaction of the deep cervical flexor muscles with the superficial flexors [2, C] i.e. the sternocleidomastoid and the anterior scalene muscles [3, B] . It can also be used as a clinical indicator of impaired activation of the deep cervical flexor muscles [1D,3B] , to measure the muscle activity of the deep[6,C] and superficial[7,C] cervical muscles or as a therapy approach [3B, 8, 5D]

Evolution

The test has evolved over fifteen years. It was originally developed in response to increased interest in the functional roles of muscles, particularly in active spinal segment stabilization, and the clinical need for more directed and specific therapeutic exercises for patients with neck pain disorders [2, C].

Clinical importance

There is reason to believe that an impaired and delayed activation of the deep cervical flexor muscles causes headaches [1D,3B,4B,7C,9D] . As mentioned earlier, the CCFT is also indicative if the deep cervical flexors are impaired.

Research

Since 2001 the test is commonly being used in research, for example when investigating the development of motor dysfunction following a whiplash injury [7,C] (http://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php/Whiplash_Associated_Disorders). The CCFT was also used in research about the performance of the cranio cervical flexion test in patients with chronic tension type headache [4,B] . (http://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php/Tension-type_headache)

Technique

Describe how to carry out this assessment technique here

Evidence

Provide the evidence for this technique here

References

The content on or accessible through Physiopedia is for informational purposes only. Physiopedia is not a substitute for professional advice or expert medical services from a qualified healthcare provider. Read more.