Article

Impairments in sensorimotor control have been demonstrated in neck pain
disorders. However, there are more anatomical and neurophysiological connections
between the sensorimotor control system and the upper cervical region and thus
potential for greater disturbances in those with upper region pain. This study
investigated whether sensorimotor impairment was greater in those suffering pain
from the upper rather than lower cervical spine region, taking the onset of pain
into account. Sixty-four subjects with persistent neck pain were divided into 4
groups -upper and lower region non-traumatic and upper and lower region
traumatic. Cervical Joint Position Error (JPE), smooth pursuit neck torsion
(SPNT) and standing balance tests were compared between groups. The lower
non-traumatic group demonstrated significantly less (p < 0.03) deficit in SPNT
compared to all other groups as well as less total energy of sway on the eyes
open balance tests (p < 0.05) compared to both traumatic neck pain groups. The
upper traumatic group demonstrated significantly greater JPE following rotation
to the right (p < 0.04) when compared to both lower groups. Less sensorimotor
dysfunction appears to occur in those with lower compared to upper cervical
region pain, although this depends on whether trauma is involved in the onset of
pain.
CI - Crown Copyright (c) 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS