Neck proprioception and mobility improved after upper neck and spine treatment: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Spinal dysfunction, particularly at the occipito-atlantal (C0-C1) joint, can lead to maladaptive plasticity and impaired head and neck proprioception.
• Previous research suggests the One-to-Zero (OTZ) system may improve cervical kinesthesia by targeting C0-C1 joint proprioceptors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the OTZ system on cervical kinesthesia compared to a control group.
• To assess changes in neck range of motion, pain, and disability following OTZ treatment.

Main Methods:

• A pragmatic, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 72 participants (ages 18-65).
• Participants were randomized into a treatment (T) group (n=36) receiving OTZ or a control (C) group (n=36).
• Measurements included neck range of motion (ROM), cervical kinesthesia (head repositioning tests), visual analog pain ratings, and neck disability, assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant time by group interactions were observed for the primary outcome, head-to-target (HtoT) at 50% of maximum rotation, with greater improvements in absolute, constant, and variable error in the treatment group.
• The treatment group showed greater improvements in neck extension, lateral flexion, and rotation ROM, visual analog pain ratings, and neck disability scores.
• Improvements were also noted in head-to-neutral (HtoN) repositioning errors, particularly variable error, in the treatment group.

Conclusions:

• The OTZ system demonstrates effectiveness in improving short-term neck proprioception and kinesthesia in individuals with spinal dysfunction.
• The treatment appears to normalize proprioceptive afferent feedback, leading to enhanced head and neck mobility and reduced pain and disability.