Blozik, EvaEvaBlozikHimmel, WolfgangWolfgangHimmelKochen, Michael M.Michael M.KochenHerrmann‐Lingen, ChristophChristophHerrmann‐LingenScherer, MartinMartinScherer2018-11-072018-11-072011https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gro-2/22965The Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD) is a 20-item instrument to measure neck pain and related disability. The aim of this study was to assess sensitivity to change of the NPAD. A total of 411 participants from 15 general practices in the middle of Germany completed a multidimensional questionnaire including the German version of the NPAD and self-reported demographic and clinical information. Sensitivity to change was analysed by linear regression analysis of the NPAD at follow-up and educational level, age class, depression, anxiety, and deficits in social support, respectively, and by Pearson's correlation analyses between mean change in NPAD at follow-up and mean change in prognostic markers. Those having more than basic education (regression coefficient -7.2, p < 0.001) and/or being in a younger age class (-2.9, p = 0.020) consistently reported significantly lower average NPAD scores at follow-up compared to those with basic education and/or a older age class. In contrast, those who were classified to be depressed (regression coefficient 2.1, p < 0.001), anxious (1.9, p < 0.001), or having deficits in social support (5.5, p = 0.004) reported significantly higher NPAD scores. Change in depression, anxiety, and social support scale between baseline and follow-up was significantly correlated with change in the NPAD score. Hence, these data are in the direction anticipated across all baseline factors investigated. In conclusion, the NPAD seems to be a sensitive measure for use in clinical practice and future studies of neck pain and related disability.CC BY-NC 2.0https://goescholar.uni-goettingen.de/licensejournal_article10.1007/s00586-010-1545-020694734000290800500007https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gs-1/6643