The Neck Extension Test measures how far the client can look upward by extending the neck. It is useful for tracking cervical ROM and recording symptoms during extension.
A client may report stiffness looking up, discomfort during overhead tasks or reduced neck movement during sport. The Neck Extension Test provides a simple way to record extension ROM and track change across sessions.
Test name: Neck Extension Test
Purpose: Assess cervical extension ROM
What it assesses: Ability to look upward/extend the neck
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer
Key finding: Neck extension angle in degrees
Best used with: Neck flexion, lateral flexion, rotation, shoulder flexion and symptom history
Key limitation: It measures ROM only and should not be used to diagnose the cause of symptoms
The Neck Extension Test measures cervical extension ROM, usually with the inclinometer placed on top of the head as the client looks upward.
It is used to assess baseline neck extension, track progress and record symptom behaviour during backward neck movement.
It measures cervical extension ROM in degrees. It does not measure strength, posture, pain source or upper cervical function specifically.
This is usually active ROM. The client extends the neck themselves. Record any modification.
Desk workers, athletes, drivers, overhead activity clients, gym clients and anyone where neck extension tracking is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer, chair or standing space, Measurz app and notes for pain, dizziness, symptoms and position.
Ask the client to sit or stand upright. Place the Measurz inclinometer on top of the head. Ask the client to look upward and extend the neck as far as comfortable. Save the result at maximal controlled range.
Record extension in degrees. If the MAT page provides a reference value in your internal protocol, apply it only as a practical guide and prioritise baseline and side-by-side neck ROM comparison.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Cervical extension norms vary by age, symptoms and testing tool. Use baseline and repeated testing with the same setup.
Recent cervical ROM evidence supports good-to-excellent reliability for smartphone-based neck ROM measurement in many contexts, but app type, movement direction and population affect confidence.
Common errors include trunk extension, mouth opening, inconsistent device placement, pushing into dizziness and not recording symptoms.
Use this test to monitor neck extension mobility, track changes across sessions and add context to overhead activity and upper-quarter assessment.
Record extension angle, pain score, symptom location, dizziness, test position, device placement, movement quality and retest comparison.
Neck Flexion Test
Neck Lateral Flexion Test
Neck Rotation Test
Shoulder Flexion Test
Spine Extension Test
Thoracic Rotation Test
It measures how far the client can extend the neck or look upward.
Yes. Record symptoms and stop if dizziness or concerning symptoms occur.
No. It is a movement finding.
Only if the same position is used consistently.
The Neck Extension Test measures cervical extension ROM.
Monitor dizziness and symptoms.
Device placement must be consistent.
Use baseline comparison.
Record results in Measurz.
Ghorbani, F., Kamyab, M., Azadinia, F., & Ahmadi, A. (2020). The reliability and concurrent validity of digital inclinometer, smartphone applications, and the cervical range of motion device for measuring cervical range of motion. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal, 18(4), 415–424.
Keogh, J. W. L., et al. (2022). Measurement properties of smartphone applications for the measurement of neck range of motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 23, 138.
Fraeulin, L., et al. (2020). Intra- and inter-rater reliability of joint range of motion tests using tape measure, digital inclinometer and inertial motion capturing. PLOS ONE, 15(12), e0243646.
