Chronic Neck Pain Influence on Oculomotor Performance During Near Point Convergence and Fitts's Tasks: a...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Musculoskeletal dysfunction, particularly chronic neck pain, may affect neurological functions.
• Oculomotor performance, including convergence and gaze control, is crucial for daily visual tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the influence of musculoskeletal dysfunction on oculomotor performance.
• To compare oculomotor convergence and volitional gaze in individuals with and without chronic neck pain.

Main Methods:

• 12 participants with chronic neck pain and 12 controls underwent oculomotor testing.
• Near point convergence (NPC) and oculomotor Fitts's Law tasks were performed in various trunk positions.
• Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) were administered.

Main Results:

• Participants with neck pain showed reduced NPC in neutral and left-rotated positions.
• Symptomatic individuals exhibited increased reaction time for shorter amplitude targets, indicating motor planning deficits.
• Significant correlations were found between CISS, NPC, and NDI scores.

Conclusions:

• Chronic neck pain is associated with impaired control of convergent eye movements.
• Convergence insufficiency symptoms correlate with both neck disability and oculomotor performance deficits.
• Findings suggest a relationship between neck dysfunction and visual system impairments.