Evaluating the neck joint position sense error with a standard computer and a webcam

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Cervical spine proprioception, measured by Joint Position Sense Error (JPSE), is crucial for neck pain rehabilitation.
• Existing JPSE measurement methods often require specialized equipment, limiting accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the viability of a novel, equipment-free method for measuring cervical JPSE.
• To assess the potential of a web-based, self-administered JPSE test.

Main Methods:

• Developed a webpage utilizing free head tracking software and a webcam for self-administered JPSE testing.
• Compared absolute error values from the developed system to existing literature data.

Main Results:

• The system demonstrated comparable results to 6 out of 11 studies using more complex setups.
• Absolute error values were: 3.68±1.2° (extension), 3.46±1.66° (flexion), 3.89±2.34° (left rotation), 4.02±1.82° (right rotation).

Conclusions:

• The developed system offers a viable, accessible method for assessing cervical JPSE using standard computer equipment.
• The web-based nature of the system presents potential for telemedicine applications in rehabilitation.
• Further validation is needed before clinical implementation.