SCREENING AND EVALUATION OF CERVICAL PROPRIOCEPTION AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH NECK PAIN AND NECK MUSCLE STRENGTH AMONG DESKTOP WORKING STAFF OF HOSPITALS A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Neck pain is recognized as one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal morbidity worldwide, substantially impacting working populations, including hospital staff. Risk factors such as prolonged computer usage, static postures, and repetitive movements are prevalent among office and administrative personnel, increasing susceptibility to sensorimotor disturbances. Cervical proprioception, defined as the ability to sense position and movement of the neck, plays a critical role in postural control, functional stability, and prevention of neck pain. Disruptions in proprioceptive input are thought to contribute to pain persistence, impairment, and reduction of neck muscle strength. Despite these implications, limited data exists on cervical proprioception among hospital workers, with most research focusing on other populations.

Objective: To evaluate cervical proprioception and its association with neck pain and neck muscle strength among desktop-working staff of hospitals in Belagavi, Karnataka.

Methodology: The cross-sectional observational study will recruit a minimum of 100 participants from administrative, record-keeping, and billing departments within KLE-affiliated hospitals. Both male and female staff aged 18 and above working over a period of 12 months and above will be included, exclusion criteria are  Individuals with traumatic neck injuries, recent cervical traumas, previous neck surgeries, whiplash injuries, vestibular disorders, visual impairment, All the neurological disorders such as cervical dystonia, multiplesclerosis, parkinsons disease, stroke, diabetic neuropathy. Participants will undergo standardized assessment protocols, including the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for neck pain intensity, cervical Joint Position Error (CJPE) testing using a head-mounted laser for proprioception, and muscle strength measurements with the Hydraulic push pull  dynamometer assessing flexion, extension, and rotation movements. Data collection will involve demographic information, occupational risk profiles, and relevant clinical history. Statistical analysis will focus on exploring associations between neck pain scores, proprioceptive errors, and muscle strength outcomes.