Relationship Between Cervical Pain According to Cervical Proprioceptive Awareness Level in the Healthy Elderly

Relationship Between Cervical Pain, Functional Fitness, and Kinesiophobia According to Cervical Proprioceptive Awareness Level in the Healthy Elderly

Aging is a progressive and irreversible process characterized by changes occurring at the cellular level, in organs and systems. Kinesiophobia in older adults is defined as a condition in which an individual is unable to perform movement due to fear of pain or injury. Studies have shown that with increasing age, kinesiophobia also increases, leading to a decrease in physical activity. In older individuals with chronic neck pain, significant relationships have been found between kinesiophobia, proprioceptive position error (JPE), and functional performance. Kinesiophobia is strongly associated with pain intensity and stands out as an important factor that negatively affects proprioceptive perception and functional performance, particularly in neck extension and rotation movements (for example, handgrip strength).

In summary, decreased proprioception in older adults may lead to reduced functional fitness and increased kinesiophobia. This may cause the individual to avoid movement, leading to a vicious cycle in which proprioceptive sense and functional capacity further deteriorate. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between cervical pain, functional fitness, and kinesiophobia according to the level of cervical proprioceptive awareness in healthy older adults.At least 60 individuals with high proprioceptive awareness and 60 individuals with low cervical proprioceptive awareness will be included in the study. First, a sociodemographic data form will be completed. The Standardized Mini-Mental Test will be administered to assess the participants' cognitive functions. Then, the Cervical Joint Position Error Test will be used to evaluate the sense of position in the neck region. The Geriatric Pain Scale will be applied to assess the participants' pain levels; this scale is used to evaluate the intensity, quality, and impact of pain on daily living activities in older adults. Finally, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia will be used to assess fear of movement. Participants will complete the 17-item self-report questionnaire under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age ≥ 65
• mini mental test score ≥ 24
• Being independent in physical functions
• Being able to read and write in Turkish
• Consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a history of cervical surgery
• Experiencing cervical trauma within the past month
• Having neurological diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's
• Having cognitive impairment
• Having other musculoskeletal problems that may affect the cervical region, such as impingement, thoracic outlet syndrome, or scoliosis
• Using assistive devices for walking and/or standing
• Using more than four medications per day
• Having vision problems that are not corrected despite visual aids
• Having specific pathological conditions such as malignancy, fractures, or systemic rheumatoid disease
• Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Receiving medical treatment that may affect balance and posture