Side-to-side elbow range of movement variability in an ulnar neurodynamic test sequence variant in asymptomatic people

BACKGROUND: Range of motion (ROM) asymmetry between sides is one indicator of a positive neurodynamic test, but this has been less well studied for the ulnar nerve. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate side-to-side variation in elbow ROM during an ulnar neurodynamic test sequence, including contralateral cervical side flexion, in 40 asymptomatic subjects. METHODS: A traditional goniometer was used to measure elbow flexion ROM at two end points, onset of resistance ([Formula: see text] 1) and symptom onset ([Formula: see text] 1). Two repeated measures of [Formula: see text] 1 and [Formula: see text] 1 were taken on each side. RESULTS: Reliability for [Formula: see text] 1 and [Formula: see text] 1 was found to be good (ICC [Formula: see text] , SEM [Formula: see text]) with no significant difference in mean ROM between sides. A significant relationship between sides was seen ([Formula: see text] values [Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] values [Formula: see text]; this indicates at least 23% of the variance observed in one limb was accounted for by range in the opposite limb. This relationship was slightly stronger for [Formula: see text] 1 than [Formula: see text] 1. Lower bound scores indicate that intra-individual ROM difference [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] 1 and 22(°) for [Formula: see text] 1 would exceed normal ROM asymmetry. CONCLUSION: These findings provide clinicians with background information of ROM asymmetry during the ulnar neurodynamic test.