Factors influencing cervical proprioception in individuals with neck pain

Neck pain is a common condition and one of the leading causes of disabilityworldwide. Impairment of cervical proprioception was identified as the mainproblem in the neck pain group which occurs through a variety of mechanismsthat subsequently lead to cervical sensorimotor controldisturbances. Proprioception alance impairments were present in neck pain andhealthy population. Conflicting evidence/association found between neck muscleendurance, pain intensity, and disorder type and duration with joint positionerror. Limited information is available regarding proprioceptive impairmentamong the acute neck pain population.

 TheSubjects who met the inclusion criteria would be recruited for the study, afterobtaining written consent and the subjects will be undergoing a standardizedmusculoskeletal assessment. Evaluation of pain, cervical range of motion, cervical muscle endurance ,regionalfunction and cervicocephalic proprioception will be obtained from all enrolledsubjects. Pain intensity will be measured using patient self-reported numericpain rating scale, cervical range of motion will be  measured using single bubble inclinometer,cervical muscle endurance evaluated by - cranio cervical flexion test (usingChattanooga’s pressure biofeedback), neck flexor endurance test, neck extensorendurance test and regional function using Neck Disability Index (NDI) andcervicocephalic proprioception will be assessed using cervical joint positionerror test(CJPET).