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The influence of neck pain on sensorimotor function in the elderly
Sureeporn Uthaikhup1, Gwendolen Jull, Somporn Sungkarat
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. sureeporn.uthaikhup@cmu.ac.th
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|February 22, 2012
Summary
Elderly individuals with neck pain exhibit significant sensorimotor deficits, including impaired balance and coordination. These findings highlight the impact of neck pain on elderly sensorimotor function and may inform fall prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Sensorimotor control disturbances are documented in younger and middle-aged adults.
- The impact of neck pain on sensorimotor function in the elderly population remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of neck pain on sensorimotor function in elders.
- To determine if sensorimotor impairments seen in younger populations extend to older adults with neck pain.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 20 elders with neck pain and 20 healthy elder controls (aged 65+).
- Assessed sensorimotor function using: cervical joint position sense (JPS), rod-and-frame test (RFT), smooth pursuit neck torsion test (SPNT), standing balance, step test, and ten-meter walk test.
- Controlled for age and comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Elders with neck pain demonstrated greater sensorimotor deficits across most tests.
- Significant differences observed in SPNT, RFT error, standing balance (medio-lateral sway), and step test performance.
- Neck pain correlated with increased sensorimotor disturbances.
Conclusions:
- Elderly individuals with neck pain experience significant sensorimotor disturbances compared to healthy elders.
- Altered afferent information from the cervical spine likely contributes to these sensorimotor deficits.
- Findings suggest implications for falls prevention and management programs in the elderly.
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