Investigation of gait symmetry, cervical joint position sense, cervical range of motion and functional disability in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain

Authors : Hatice Ayan, Bilge Kara, Reşat Serhat Erbayraktar

Pages : 171-179

Doi:10.15437/jetr.1430664

View : 40 | Download : 33

Publication Date : 2024-12-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: Gait asymmetry has not been adequately clarified in Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain (CINP). Cervical position sense is important to maintain gait function. However, the association between gait symmetry and cervical position sense is unknown. The first aim is to evaluate gait symmetry, cervical joint position error (JPE), cervical range of motion (ROM), and functionality in persons with CINP and compare them with healthy controls (HC). The second aim is to investigate the relationship between gait symmetry and cervical JPE, ROM, and functional disability in CINP. Methods: 35 persons with CINP (27 females, eight males, mean age 25.48 ± 8.69 years) and 34 HC (25 females, nine males, mean age 25.76±7.96 years) were included. Gait symmetry was assessed with a wearable sensor gait device. Cervical JPE and ROM were evaluated with the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device. Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used for functional disability. Results: Persons with CINP had significantly worse gait symmetry, cervical JPE, and lower cervical range of motion in all directions (p<0.01). In the CINP group, gait symmetry had significant, negative weak and moderate correlations with the cervical JPE (flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, r=-0.387, -0.459, -0.443, p<0.05) and NDI (r=-0.493, p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that gait symmetry, cervical position sense, and range of motion were negatively affected in individuals with CINP compared to the healthy controls, and that the decrease in gait symmetry was associated with the increase in cervical joint position error and functional disability. Improving cervical position sense may be effective in increasing gait symmetry in persons with chronic idiopathic neck pain. Keywords: Neck pain, Gait, Position sense.
Keywords : Boyun ağrısı, Yürüyüş, Pozisyon hissi