Sensorimotor Control in People With and Without Neck Pain

Analysis of Sensorimotor Control in People With and Without Neck Pain Using Inertial Sensor Technology: Study Protocol for a Longitudinal Prospective Observational Study

This is a descriptive, observational, longitudinal, prospective study consecutively enrolling patients with non-specific neck pain and age-matched asymptomatic participants.

The investigators will register sensorimotor control variables, including active range of motion, movement speed, acceleration, smoothness of motion, head repositioning accuracy and motion coupling patterns. These variables will be recorded by means of Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors during the following tests consecutively performed in two measuring sessions separated by 12 months: (a) kinematics of planar movements, (b) kinematics of the craniocervical flexion movement, (c) kinematics during functional tasks and (d) kinematics of task-oriented neck movements in response to visual targets.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Population aged between 18 and 65 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Visual impairment not corrected by the use of glasses/contact lenses
• Migraine headache
• Complex regional syndrome
• Previous surgeries in the neck and/or head region
• Sensory and/or vestibular alterations, (f) Otogenic or idiopathic vertigo/dizziness
• Presence of tumors in the craniocervical region
• Previous fracture in the head or neck region
• Osseous deformities in the thoracic, cervical or cranial region