Effectiveness of proprioceptive training on cervical joint position sense and functional improvement in patients with chronic neck pain

Chronic neck pain is commonly associated with impaired cervical proprioception, altered joint position sense, and functional limitations. Proprioceptive training interventions aim to restore sensorimotor control of the cervical spine and may improve pain and functional outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive training on cervical joint position sense and functional improvement in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain.

Adults with chronic nonspecific neck pain of more than three months duration who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited after screening and informed consent. Baseline assessment will include cervical joint position error (JPE) and range of motion measured using a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device, pain intensity assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Participants will then be allocated into two intervention groups.

Group A will receive laser pointer–based visual feedback training focusing on head relocation accuracy, gaze stability, and controlled cervical movements. Group B will receive proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training involving cervical and scapular movement patterns, repositioning tasks, and postural re-education. Both groups will undergo supervised physiotherapy sessions three times per week for four weeks.

Post-intervention assessments will be conducted at the end of four weeks using the same outcome measures as baseline. The study aims to compare the effects of laser pointer feedback training and PNF training on cervical joint position sense, pain, and functional disability in individuals with chronic neck pain.