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Proprioception and rotation range sensitization associated with subclinical neck pain
Haejung Lee1, Leslie L Nicholson, Roger D Adams
1School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. hlee3652@mail.usyd.edu.au
Spine
|February 1, 2005
Summary
Subclinical neck pain is linked to reduced neck muscle endurance and range of motion. Frequent neck pain correlates with better proprioception, suggesting targeted exercises may help manage this condition.
Area of Science:
- Kinesiology
- Physical Therapy
- Pain Management
Background:
- Subclinical neck pain is an intermediate state between no pain and clinical neck pain.
- Understanding subclinical neck pain features can guide early management to prevent progression.
- This study explores characteristics of subclinical neck pain in young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neck proprioception, range of motion, and muscle endurance in individuals with subclinical neck pain.
- To assess self-reported pain and disability levels in relation to subclinical neck pain.
- To identify potential targets for early intervention in subclinical neck pain.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 81 healthy Korean university students (18-30 years).
- Assessed neck proprioception, range of motion (ROM), and muscle endurance (modified Biering-Sorensen test).
- Utilized self-report questionnaires for pain and disability, categorized by pain frequency (never/infrequent, monthly, weekly).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in self-reported pain and disability across pain frequency groups.
- Lower neck muscle endurance observed in monthly and weekly pain groups compared to never/infrequent.
- Reduced left rotation range of motion on second testing (sensitization) in monthly/weekly pain groups.
- Superior movement extent discrimination in the most frequent pain group.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical neck pain is associated with decreased neck muscle endurance and ROM.
- Frequent subclinical neck pain (weekly or more) correlates with heightened proprioceptive sensitivity.
- Improving neck strength and rotation ROM may be beneficial for managing subclinical neck pain.