Validity and Reliability of the Six-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test in Assessing Upper Extremity Functional Capacity and Limb Function in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: Methodological Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABS TRACT Objective: Chronic neck pain negatively affects upper extremity performance causing functional limitations and disability.Due to chronic pain, the strength and endurance of the upper extremity muscles decrease, and accordingly, the upper extremity exercise capacity of patients decreases.The six-minute pegboard and ring test (6-PBRT) is used in clinics to evaluate upper extremity exercise capacity.The study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of 6-PBRT in patients with chronic neck pain.Material and Methods: The study included forty-nine patients with a diagnosis of chronic neck pain.Upper extremity exercise capacity was evaluated with the 6-PBRT, maximal arm exercise capacity with the arm ergometer test, functionality with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, handgrip strength with a dynamometer, and pain intensity with a visual analog scale.Results: For 6-PBRT, the ICC value was 0.959 (95% CI 0.917-0.979)showing excellent test re-test reliability, while SEM was 20.29 and MDC was 56.24.There was a statistically significant very strong correlation between the first and second 6-PBRT scores (r=0.941,p<0.001).The 6-PBRT score was strongly and statistically significantly correlated with maximum workload in arm ergometer test (r=0.806)and exercise test time (r=0.782),and moderate correlated DASH score (r=-0.669),hand-grip strength (r=0.427),rest (r=0.417) and activity pain (r=0.405)(p<0.05).Conclusion: According to the results, the 6-PBRT is a valid and reliable evaluation method that can be easily applied and well tolerated in clinics for assessing upper extremity functional exercise capacity in patients with chronic neck pain.
Authors: Başak KAVALCI KOL, Merve FIRAT, Figen TUNCAY
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204241472