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Canlı K, Demirkıran G, Can F. The efficiency of tactile discrimination training and oculomotor exercises in people with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2025; 26:519. [PMID: 40420069 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-08755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2025] [Indexed: 05/28/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tactile discrimination training (TDT) and oculomotor exercises (OEs) have been widely used somatosensory-based interventions for a wide range of chronic pain conditions. There is, however, little evidence for the effectiveness of these approaches in people with chronic neck pain. This study aimed to determine the superiority of one intervention over another on pain outcomes in people with chronic neck pain. METHODS Fifty seven participants were randomly divided into three groups: TDT, OEs, and a control group who received no intervention. TDT, OEs groups received either TDT or OEs, respectively, three times per week for four weeks. The control group received no intervention. Pain intensity, neck pain-related disability, pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), mechanical pain of temporal summation (mTSP), and conditioned pain modulation were assessed as pain outcomes. Depending on the normality, a repeated measures ANOVA or F1-LD-F1 design was used to analyse the data. RESULTS A significant group*time interaction and main effects for time were found for pain intensity (p: 0.001, p: 0.001, respectively) and pain-related disability (p < 0.019, p < 0.009; respectively). There was a significant main effect for time for mTSP at the painful side of the neck (p: 0.022). TDT and OEs resulted in a significantly higher improvement in pain intensity (p: 0.005, p < 0.001; respectively) and neck pain-related disability (p: 0.005, p: 0.007; respectively). There was a higher improvement in pain intensity in OEs group compared to TDT group (p: 0.010). A significantly higher improvement in PPT at the painful site after OEs was found (p: 0.038). The control group demonstrated a significantly higher improvement in mTSP in the painful area of the neck (p: 0.048). There were no other significant within- or between-group changes. CONCLUSION OEs and TDT are effective somatosensory-based interventions for improving pain intensity and pain-related disability. IMPACT This study demonstrated that sensory retraining interventions improves the subjective pain perception. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial Registration Number: NCT05605132, Date of trial registration: 10/29/2022, Name of trial registry: Neck Pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kübra Canlı
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Türkiye.
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.
| | - Gökhan Demirkıran
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Filiz Can
- Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Ragnarsdóttir H, Oddsdóttir GL, Gíslason MK, Briem K. Quantifying Impairments in the Subacute Phase of Whiplash Associated Disorders-A Cross-Sectional Study. Life (Basel) 2025; 15:562. [PMID: 40283117 PMCID: PMC12028745 DOI: 10.3390/life15040562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2025] [Revised: 03/27/2025] [Accepted: 03/27/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WADs) often result from traffic accidents, leading to persistent symptoms, including neck pain, disability, dizziness, and central sensitization (CS). A key concern is cervical range of motion (cROM) impairment and sensorimotor dysfunction, which contribute to prolonged disability. This study assessed functional performance in individuals with subacute (>1, <3 months) WADs (n = 122) compared to healthy controls (n = 45). Clinical measures included cROM, movement control (Butterfly test), and position sense (Head-Neck Relocation Test, HNRT). Patient-reported outcomes included neck disability, pain intensity, central sensitization, and dizziness. Mixed and linear models evaluated group differences and the influence of demographic and symptom-related factors. WAD patients had significantly reduced cROM and impaired movement control (p < 0.001). Neck disability (p < 0.001) and pain intensity (p = 0.015) affected cROM within the WAD group. Interaction effects revealed greater amplitude accuracy (AA) impairments at greater difficulty levels (p = 0.043), while time on target (TOT) differences decreased (p < 0.001). Dizziness was associated with increased undershoot (p < 0.001), while pain negatively impacted both AA (p = 0.003) and TOT (p = 0.037). Position sense did not differentiate WAD patients from controls. Findings suggest task-dependent sensorimotor deficits, highlighting the need for multimodal assessment. Early CS screening may optimize rehabilitation and prevent chronic disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harpa Ragnarsdóttir
- Research Centre of Movement Science, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland; (G.L.O.); (K.B.)
- Elja Physiotherapy, 220 Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
| | - Guðný Lilja Oddsdóttir
- Research Centre of Movement Science, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland; (G.L.O.); (K.B.)
| | - Magnús Kjartan Gíslason
- Institute of Biomedical and Neural Engineering, Reykjavik University, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Kristín Briem
- Research Centre of Movement Science, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland; (G.L.O.); (K.B.)
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De Hertogh W, Micarelli A, Reid S, Malmström EM, Vereeck L, Alessandrini M. Dizziness and neck pain: a perspective on cervicogenic dizziness exploring pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic implications. Front Neurol 2025; 16:1545241. [PMID: 40166638 PMCID: PMC11956690 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1545241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Dizziness and vertigo affect up to 20% of adults annually. Cervicogenic dizziness (CGD), a debated clinical entity, is characterized by dizziness associated with cervical pain or dysfunction, stemming from altered proprioceptive input from the cervical spine. Despite its recognition in clinical practice, CGD remains controversial due to its reliance on exclusionary diagnosis and the absence of specific diagnostic criteria or gold-standard tests. This perspective explores the pathophysiology of CGD, emphasizing the sensory mismatch theory, where disrupted cervical proprioception interacts maladaptively with vestibular and visual systems, leading to postural instability and dizziness. Central mechanisms, including sensory reweighting and maladaptation, further complicate symptom resolution, particularly in the context of chronic cervical dysfunction. Current diagnostic approaches provide insights but lack specificity. Management strategies, including manual therapy and sensorimotor exercises, show promise in alleviating symptoms by targeting cervical dysfunction and enhancing proprioceptive integration. However, these interventions highlight the need for an integrated approach that addresses both cervical and vestibular contributions to dizziness. This paper underscores the importance of advancing CGD research, particularly understanding central maladaptation mechanisms. By bridging gaps in clinical and research knowledge, a more comprehensive framework for diagnosing and managing CGD can emerge, benefiting patients with persistent dizziness and cervical involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem De Hertogh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Research Group MOVANT, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alessandro Micarelli
- Unit of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and Sensory Organs, UNITER ONLUS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sue Reid
- Faculty of Health, School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eva-Maj Malmström
- Department of Otolaryngology, Clinical Sciences, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Luc Vereeck
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Research Group MOVANT, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marco Alessandrini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Ear-Nose-Throat Unit, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Treleaven J. The Role of the Cervical Spine in Dizziness. J Neurol Phys Ther 2024; 48:1-10. [PMID: 39146225 DOI: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The neck can be implicated in dizziness via several, separate, discreet mechanisms. Proprioceptive cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) is the most common and reflects the cervical spine's important role, along with visual and vestibular input, for sensorimotor control. Impaired cervical proprioception can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, unsteadiness, visual disturbances, and altered sensorimotor control, and treatment directed toward cervical musculoskeletal and sensorimotor control is efficacious to improve this in individuals with cervical musculoskeletal disorders. Despite this, CGD is difficult to diagnose. Many people present with both neck pain and dizziness, and often the onset of both follows head and neck trauma, but neither necessarily implicate the neck as the cause of dizziness. Further, people often present with mixed forms of dizziness. Thus, rather than diagnosing CGD, it might be more important to consider the potential for the neck to have no (nil, co-morbid cervical condition) or some (minor, major, or compensatory) role in dizziness. Determining the precise role of the cervical spine role in dizziness requires a skilled interview and examination for cervical musculoskeletal and related sensorimotor impairments and relevant testing of other potential causes. A combination and cluster of test outcomes in addition to comparing responses to specific tests when the cervical afferents are stimulated and not stimulated will be important. Considering the role of the neck in dizziness will allow a balanced approach in assessment and management to allow timely, effective intervention to be provided to the large number of individuals presenting with neck pain and dizziness (Supplemental Digital Content, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A484 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Treleaven
- Neck and Head Research Unit, SHRS, The University of Queensland,Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Ragnarsdottir H, Peterson G, Gislason MK, Oddsdottir GL, Peolsson A. The effect of a neck-specific exercise program on cervical kinesthesia for patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders: a case-control study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:346. [PMID: 38693515 PMCID: PMC11064421 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07427-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cervical kinesthesia is an important part of movement control and of great importance for daily function. Previous research on kinesthesia in whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) has focused on grades I-II. More research is needed on WAD grade III. The aim of this study was to investigate cervical kinesthesia in individuals with WAD grades II-III before and after a neck-specific exercise intervention and compare them to healthy controls. METHODS A prospective, case-control study with a treatment arm (n = 30) and a healthy control arm (n = 30) was conducted in Sweden. The WAD group received a neck-specific exercise program for 12 weeks. The primary outcome to evaluate kinesthesia was neck movement control (the Fly test). Secondary outcomes were neck disability, dizziness and neck pain intensity before and after the Fly test. Outcomes were measured at baseline and post-treatment. The control arm underwent measurements at baseline except for the dizziness questionnaire. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate difference between groups (WAD and control) and over time, with difficulty level in the Fly test and gender as factors. RESULTS Between-group analysis showed statistically significant differences in three out of five kinesthetic metrics (p = 0.002 to 0.008), but not for the WAD-group follow-up versus healthy control baseline measurements. Results showed significant improvements for the WAD-group over time for three out of five kinaesthesia metrics (p < 0.001 to 0.008) and for neck disability (p < 0.001) and pain (p = 0.005), but not for dizziness (p = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS The exercise program shows promising results in improving kinesthesia and reducing neck pain and disability in the chronic WAD phase. Future research might benefit from focusing on adding kinesthetic exercises to the exercise protocol and evaluating its beneficial effects on dizziness or further improvement in kinesthesia. IMPACT STATEMENT Kinesthesia can be improved in chronic WAD patients without the use of specific kinesthetic exercises. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03664934), first registration approved 11/09/2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harpa Ragnarsdottir
- Research Centre of Movement Science, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Iceland, Stapi v/Hringbraut 31, Reykjavik, 101, IS, Iceland
- Elja Physiotherapy, Hafnafjordur, Iceland
| | - Gunnel Peterson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Unit of Physiotherapy, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Magnus K Gislason
- Institute of Biomedical and Neural Engineering, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Gudny L Oddsdottir
- Research Centre of Movement Science, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Iceland, Stapi v/Hringbraut 31, Reykjavik, 101, IS, Iceland
| | - Anneli Peolsson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Unit of Physiotherapy, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Uthaikhup S, Sremakaew M, Treleaven J, Jull G, Barbero M, Falla D, Cescon C. Changes in Multiple Aspects of Pain Outcomes After Rehabilitation: Analysis of Pain Data in a Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effects of Adding Sensorimotor Training to Manual Therapy and Exercise for Chronic Neck Pain. Clin J Pain 2024; 40:212-220. [PMID: 38297452 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine changes in pain outcomes to fully evaluate the effect of adding sensorimotor training to manual therapy and exercise in patients with chronic neck pain and sensorimotor deficits. Concordance was examined between pain distribution and pain intensity and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS Participants (n=152) were randomly allocated into 4 intervention groups: One group received local neck treatment (NT) comprising manual therapy and exercise and the other 3 groups received additional sensorimotor training (either joint position sense/oculomotor exercises, balance exercises or both). Treatment was delivered twice a week for 6 weeks. Pain and patient-reported outcomes were measured at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS There were greater changes in pain location, extent, and intensity at 6- and 12-month follow-ups in the sensorimotor training groups compared with the NT group ( P <0.05). A greater number of patients in the sensorimotor training groups gained ≥50% reduction in pain extent and intensity relative to the NT group at 6 and 12 months ( P <0.05). Clinical improvement in pain extent was concordant with pain intensity (adjusted kappa=056 to 0.66, %agreement=78.3 to 82.9, P <0.001) and disability (adjusted kappa=0.47 to 0.58, % agreement=73.7 to 79.0, P <0.01) at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups, but not with function and well-being. The concordance tended to decline with time. DISCUSSION Multiple aspects of the pain experience improved in the longer term by adding sensorimotor training to NT for patients with neck pain and sensorimotor deficits. The concordance between pain and patient-reported outcomes was not always evident and varied over time, suggesting the need for multidimensional assessments of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sureeporn Uthaikhup
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Munlika Sremakaew
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Julia Treleaven
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gwendolen Jull
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marco Barbero
- Department of Business Economics Health and Social Care, Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Falla
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Corrado Cescon
- Department of Business Economics Health and Social Care, Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
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Colman D, Demoulin C, Vanderthommen M, Saive O, Durieux N, Cagnie B, Kaux JF, Grosdent S. Exercise therapy including the cervical extensor muscles in individuals with neck pain: A systematic review. Clin Rehabil 2023; 37:1579-1610. [PMID: 37424506 DOI: 10.1177/02692155231184973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the use (dosage parameters and combination with other therapeutic interventions) of cervical extensor muscle exercises and their effect on pain, disability (primary outcomes), range of motion, endurance and strength (secondary outcomes) in people with neck pain. DATA SOURCES An extensive literature search was conducted through MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) up to May 2023. The reference lists of all included studies and relevant reviews were screened for additional studies. REVIEW METHODS Randomised controlled trials reporting the use of cervical extensor muscle exercises (alone or combined) applied to adults with idiopathic or traumatic neck pain were included. Study selection, data extraction and critical appraisal (PEDro assessment scale) were performed by two blinded reviewers. Data extraction included dosage parameters, other modalities combined with these exercises and outcomes. RESULTS Thirty-five randomised controlled trails (eight of which were complementary analyses) with 2409 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six were of moderate to high quality. In most studies, cervical extensor muscle exercises were combined with various other therapeutic modalities and applied at different dosages. Only two studies (one high and one low quality) specifically assessed their effectiveness. The high-quality study showed significant improvements in neck pain and disability, pressure point threshold and neck mobility after both low load and high load training for 6 weeks. CONCLUSION The results suggest cervical extensor muscle exercises may reduce neck pain and disability; however firm conclusions cannot be drawn because of the few studies that addressed this question and the heterogeneity of the dosage parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Colman
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christophe Demoulin
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marc Vanderthommen
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivier Saive
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nancy Durieux
- Research Unit for a Life-Course Perspective on Health & Education-RUCHE, Faculty of Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy and Educational Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Barbara Cagnie
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Kaux
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Grosdent
- Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Elsig S, Allet L, Bastiaenen CHG, de Bie R, Hilfiker R. Reliability and measurement error of sensorimotor tests in patients with neck pain: a systematic review. Arch Physiother 2023; 13:15. [PMID: 37582811 PMCID: PMC10428553 DOI: 10.1186/s40945-023-00170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neck pain is one of the leading causes of years lived with disability, and approximately half of people with neck pain experience recurrent episodes. Deficits in the sensorimotor system can persist even after pain relief, which may contribute to the chronic course of neck pain in some patients. Evaluation of sensorimotor capacities in patients with neck pain is therefore important. No consensus exists on how sensorimotor capacities of the neck should be assessed in physiotherapy. The aims of this systematic review are: (a) to provide an overview of tests used in physiotherapy for assessment of sensorimotor capacities in patients with neck pain; and (b) to provide information about reliability and measurement error of these tests, to enable physiotherapists to select appropriate tests. METHODS Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies reporting data on the reliability and/or measurement error of sensorimotor tests in patients with neck pain. The results for reliability and measurement error were compared against the criteria for good measurement properties. The quality of evidence was assessed according to the modified GRADE method proposed by the COSMIN group. RESULTS A total of 206 tests for assessment of sensorimotor capacities of the neck were identified and categorized into 18 groups of tests. The included tests did not cover all aspects of the sensorimotor system; tests for the sensory and motor components were identified, but not for the central integration component. Furthermore, no data were found on reliability or measurement error for some tests that are used in practice, such as movement control tests, which apply to the motor component. Approximately half of the tests showed good reliability, and 12 were rated as having good (+) reliability. However, tests that evaluated complex movements, which are more difficult to standardize, were less reliable. Measurement error could not be evaluated because the minimal clinically important change was not available for all tests. CONCLUSION Overall, the quality of evidence is not yet high enough to enable clear recommendations about which tests to use to assess the sensorimotor capacities of the neck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Elsig
- School of Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Rathausstrasse 25, 3954, Valais, Leukerbad, Switzerland.
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Line Functioning, Participation and Rehabilitation, CAPHRI - Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
- School of Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Chemin de l'Agasse 5, Valais, Sion, Switzerland.
- The Sense Innovation & Research Center, Sion and Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Lara Allet
- School of Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Chemin de l'Agasse 5, Valais, Sion, Switzerland
- The Sense Innovation & Research Center, Sion and Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Henrice Germaine Bastiaenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Line Functioning, Participation and Rehabilitation, CAPHRI - Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Rob de Bie
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Line Functioning, Participation and Rehabilitation, CAPHRI - Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Roger Hilfiker
- School of Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Rathausstrasse 25, 3954, Valais, Leukerbad, Switzerland
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Raizah A, Reddy RS, Alshahrani MS, Gautam AP, Alkhamis BA, Kakaraparthi VN, Ahmad I, Kandakurti PK, ALMohiza MA. A Cross-Sectional Study on Mediating Effect of Chronic Pain on the Relationship between Cervical Proprioception and Functional Balance in Elderly Individuals with Chronic Neck Pain: Mediation Analysis Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093140. [PMID: 37176581 PMCID: PMC10179428 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cervical proprioception maintains head orientation in space and contributes to maintaining bodily balance. Evaluating cervical proprioception in elderly individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP) and understanding how pain intensity mediates the relationship between proprioception and functional balance helps formulate treatment strategies for this population. The objectives of this study are to (a) compare the cervical proprioception and functional balance between CNP and asymptomatic, (b) investigate the relationship between cervical proprioception and functional balance ability in CNP individuals and (c) mediation effect of chronic pain on the relationship between cervical proprioception and functional balance tests (2) Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study recruited 60 elderly individuals with a diagnosis of CNP (mean age: 66.40 years) and 60 asymptomatic (mean age: 66.42 years). The cervical proprioception is measured using the target head repositing technique. The subjects were asked to close their eyes and reposition their head actively to the target position from the neutral position, and the reposition accuracy is estimated as joint position errors (JPE) in degrees. The cervical proprioception was measured in the directions of flexion, extension, and left and right rotation. The functional balance was assessed using the berg balance test (BBS) score and timed-up-and-go (TUG) test in seconds. (3) Results: The elderly individuals with CNP had increased cervical JPE compared to the asymptomatic group (p < 0.001) in all the directions tested, indicating that cervical proprioception is impaired in CNP patients. Moreover, the CNP individual functional balance is significantly impaired (p < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic. The BBS test scores were lower, and the TUG scores were higher in the CNP group. In CNP individuals, the cervical JPE showed a significant correlation with the BBS test scores (r = -0.672 to -0.732, p < 0.001) and TUG scores (r = 0.328 to -0.414, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Cervical proprioception and functional balance are impaired in elderly individuals with CNP. Physical therapists and rehabilitation professionals may consider these factors during the evaluation and development of treatment strategies in elderly adults with CNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Raizah
- Department of Orthopaedics, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ravi Shankar Reddy
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mastour Saeed Alshahrani
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajay Prashad Gautam
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Batool Abdulelah Alkhamis
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Venkata Nagaraj Kakaraparthi
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammad A ALMohiza
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
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