Abstract

The purpose of this study was to observe the joint reposition error and tactile acuity of patients with chronic mild to moderate neck pain and compare those values to healthy controls to further investigate the effect of neck pain on neck function and the need for sensorimotor training in patients with chronic neck pain. In spite of some inconsistencies in the literature and methodology, both the two-point discrimination test and the joint reposition error test can give clinicians valuable, inexpensive and quick objective data that can be used in the diagnostic portion of an examination as well as in designing and assessing change during a rehabilitation program. This study found a significant increase in neck joint reposition error (JRE) in flexion in participants suffering from neck pain when compared to healthy controls. JRE averaged 2.75° ± 1.52° in flexion healthy controls and 4.53° ± 1.74° in flexion in participants with chronic neck pain. Additionally, the dermatome found to be most affected by neck pain was C5. Further research is needed to examine both the effect of proprioceptive training on neck pain and the effectiveness of the two-point discrimination threshold test and the joint reposition error test as diagnostic tools and indicators of progress in the treatment of chronic neck pain.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Life Sciences; Exercise Sciences

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2014-06-26

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd7115

Keywords

tactile acuity, joint reposition error, two-point discrimination, proprioception training

Language

English

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