Execution
- 1Have the patient lie supine in crook lying with the head and neck in neutral midrange.
- 2Place an inflatable pressure sensor under the cervical lordosis and inflates it to 20 mmHg.
- 3Have the patient perform a gentle nodding action without lifting or pressing the head backward.
- 4Have the patient attempt progressive pressure targets of 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 mmHg, holding each for 10 seconds with rest between levels.
- 5Watch for superficial muscle substitution, head extension, jerky control, or inability to maintain the target pressure.
Positive outcome
Impaired performance is present if the patient cannot reach or hold at least 26 mmHg for 10 seconds, uses superficial neck flexors excessively, extends the head, or cannot maintain a steady pressure. The test reflects deep cervical flexor activation and endurance rather than radiculopathy.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jull et al. (2008) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Selistre et al. (2021) | acceptable interrater / intrarater reliability | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentCCFT is best understood as a motor-control and endurance assessment of the deep cervical flexors. It is useful for impairment profiling and rehabilitation planning, not as a standalone diagnostic test for a structural pathology.
Low Clinical Value