Cervical Proprioceptive Error in Healthy Young Individuals
Conditions
Keywords
Cervical proprioception, Joint position sense, Pain, Temporal summation, Mechanosensitivity, Conditioned pain modulation
Brief summary
Background: Cervical proprioception, referring to the awareness of the head's position in space, plays a crucial role in maintaining postural control and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. While previous research has established the importance of cervical proprioception in motor function, its specific impact on body awareness and pain-related aspects remains less explored, particularly in healthy young individuals. Aim: This prospective cross-sectional study aims to investigate the impact of cervical proprioceptive error on body awareness, pressure pain threshold, pressure pain tolerance, conditioned pain modulation, and temporal summation in healthy young individuals. Methods: In asymptomatic participants, cervical proprioception will be assessed using the 'head position error test' in both right and left rotation directions with the CROM device. Participants will be then divided into two groups based on the presence of proprioceptive deviation (\>5°). Body awareness will beassessed using the 'Body Awareness Questionnaire,' while pressure pain threshold, pain tolerance, and temporal summation will be measured bilaterally with an algometer device (2 cm lateral to the C2 and C7 spinal processes, midpoint of the upper part of the trapezius, and over the temporomandibular joint) in both groups. Subsequently, the two groups will be compared using independent samples t-tests.
Detailed description
Cervical proprioception, which refers to the awareness of the head's position in space, is a fundamental component of postural control and the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. This sense is mediated by sensory receptors located in the muscles, joints, and skin of the cervical spine, providing critical feedback for maintaining balance and coordinating movements. Previous studies have extensively documented the role of cervical proprioception in motor function, highlighting its importance in activities that require precise head and neck movements. Despite these findings, there is a gap in the literature regarding the specific impact of cervical proprioception on body awareness and pain-related parameters in healthy individuals. Body awareness, or the conscious perception of body position and movement, is essential for efficient motor control and overall well-being. Additionally, understanding how proprioceptive errors in the cervical region might influence pain perception could provide insights into mechanisms underlying chronic pain conditions. The primary aim of this prospective cross-sectional study is to investigate the impact of cervical proprioceptive error on body awareness, pressure pain threshold, pressure pain tolerance, conditioned pain modulation, and temporal summation in asymptomatic young individuals.
Interventions
OTHERAssessment of cervical proprioception
Cervical proprioception will be assessed using the 'head position error test' in both right and left rotation directions with the CROM device. Participants will be then divided into two groups based on the presence of proprioceptive errors (\>5°).
Sponsors
Nagihan Acet
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
\* Being between 18-25 years old
Exclusion criteria
* History of cervical spine injuries or disorders * Chronic pain conditions or diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders * Previous neck or spine surgeries * Neurological or psychiatric conditions affecting proprioception or pain perception * Use of medications influencing pain sensitivity or proprioception * Pregnancy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative sensory testing | Immediately after the intervention | Quantitative sensory testing including pain threshold, tolerance, conditioned pain modulation, and temporal summation will be assessed by pressure algometer. The pain threshold is the point at which a person first feels pain, the pain tolerance is the last point that a person can tolerate, and the temporal summation is the first painful threshold evaluated after 10 repeats of the pain threshold. Conditioned pain modulation is the modulation of pain perception under varying conditions. In the current study, a cold stimulus will be used. |
| Assessment of body awareness | Immediately after the intervention | Body awareness will be assessed through a questionnaire, consisting of 18 items, divided into 4 subgroups aimed at determining the sensitivity level of normal or abnormal body composition (1. Changes during the body process, 2. Sleep-wake cycle, 3. Estimation of disease onset, 4. Prediction of bodily reactions). Participants are asked to rate each item on a scale of 1 to 7. The overall score is calculated, and a higher score indicates better body awareness. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire are reported to be high. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed