SENSORY RE-TRAINING IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN

Comparison of the Effects of Proprioception and Tactile Accuracy Training on Proprioception, Range of Motion, Pain and Disability in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

It is known that tactile acuity and proprioceptive sense decrease in patients with chronic neck pain. However, sensory re-training in patients with chronic neck pain has not been given sufficient importance. The effects of proprioceptive and tactile acuity training on pain intensity in patients with chronic neck pain will be compared in this study. Eligible participants will be divided into three groups as follows: Proprioceptive Training Group (PTG), Tactile Acuity Training Group (TAG), and Control Group (CG). The randomization will be performed using the block randomization method to obtain an equal number of participants in the groups. Each participant will be evaluated two times at a 4-week interval. Participants will be evaluated regarding subjective pain intensity by using a Numerical Rating Scale, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation using an algometer (JTECH Medical-Algometer Commander, USA). Neck proprioception exercises will be applied to the patients in the PTG at 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Tactile acuity training will be applied to the patients in the TAG 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Between the two assessments, the Control Group will not receive any treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• to be aged between 20-60 years old
• Pain limited to the posterior of the cervical region.
• Pain that lasts longer than 3 months
• Pain severity of 3 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Malignant tumor in any part of the body (no screening will be performed for the presence of tumor and patients diagnosed with tumors before the study will not be included).
• Vertebral fractures
• Fibromyalgia
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• History of surgery in the neck or shoulder area
• Radicular pain
• Neurological deficit of disc pathologies
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Pronounced cervical kyphosis
• Significant scoliosis involving the cervical region