Sensorimotor synchronization in patients with mechanical neck disorders.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Limited understanding of movement coordination in chronic persisting mechanical neck disorder (cMND).
• Investigating kinematic and timing aspects of movement in cMND patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze hand vertical trajectories and timing accuracy in individuals with cMND during a cyclical reach and grasp task.
• To compare movement timing accuracy between affected and unaffected sides, and in sitting versus standing postures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D Qualisys motion capture and electromyography to record movement data.
• Assessed timing accuracy by cross-correlating metronome beats with bottle placement.
• Measured neck and arm pain using the Neck Disability Index and numeric pain rating scales.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated timing accuracy while standing (0.84 SD 0.04) but not while sitting (0.67 SD 0.16).
• Subjective pain ratings increased significantly post-task for both neck and arm.
• Seven participants (5 female/2 male, mean age 46.7) reported elevated pain levels after the task.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with cMND exhibit reduced accuracy in coordinating movements to external paced events.
• Postural variations (sitting vs. standing) significantly influence movement timing in this population.
• Findings suggest potential implications for daily activities requiring synchronized movements.