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Correlation between tactile acuity, pain intensity, and functional capacity in individuals with chronic neck pain
Cheila de Sousa Bacelar Ferreira1, Almir Vieira Dibai-Filho2, Fabiano Politti1
1Universidade Nove de Julho, Program in Rehabilitation Sciences - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to verify the correlation between tactile acuity, intensity of pain at rest, and movement and functional capacity in individuals with chronic neck pain.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study composed of two groups: individuals with chronic neck pain and individuals without neck pain. Evaluations were performed using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale at rest and movement, Neck Disability Index, and two-point discrimination test.
Results:
The final sample consisted of 100 volunteers, 50 in each group. The groups did not show significant differences (p>0.05) in personal characteristics. It was observed that volunteers with cervical pain presented alterations in tactile care, with a significant and clinical increase in the perceived distance (Median 6.66; 95%CI 6.29-7.02; Cohen's d 7.22; 95%CI 6.15-8.30), and yet, positive, moderate, and significant correlation between two-point discrimination test, intensity of pain at rest and movement, and neck disability index (r=0.778-0.789, p<0.05).
Conclusion:
Tactile acuity is associated with pain intensity at rest and movement and functional capacity in individuals with chronic neck pain.
