Comparison of Cervical Joint Position Sense in Computer Users with Neck Pain, Forward Head Posture, Asymptomatic and Non-Computer Users – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose People use computers in offices and workplaces daily to perform different activities. Impaired cervical proprioception and forward head posture (FHP) may contribute to the development and maintenance of neck pain in computer users. The aims of this study are 1) to compare cervical joint position sense (JPS) in computer users with neck pain, with FHP, healthy computer users, and healthy non-computer users, 2) to assess the relationship between cervical JPS and age, BMI, pain, disability, head posture, and duration of computer usage. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included 134 subjects aged between 25 to 50 years old in four groups (Group 1: computer users with neck pain (n=31), group 2: computer users with FHP (n=33), Group 3: healthy computer users (n=35), and Group 4: healthy non-computer users (n=35). The cervical JPS was evaluated in flexion, extension left and right rotation directions using a cervical range of motion device. The reposition accuracy is estimated as joint position error (JPE) in degrees. The cervical JPS is compared between groups and correlated with age, BMI, pain, disability, head posture, and duration of computer usage. Results and Discussion The mean cervical JPE's were significantly larger in the neck pain group (p<0.001) and in the FHP group (p<0.001) compared to other groups. There were no significant differences in JPE's between healthy computer users and non-users (p.>0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between JPE's and age, pain intensity, disability, and computer usage duration. Conclusion Computer users with neck pain and with FHP had significantly impaired cervical JPS. Factors like FHP, pain intensity, disability, and duration of computer usage may influence cervical JPS, and these factors can be considered when assessing and planning treatment strategies for computer professionals.

The Relationship Between Smartphone Usage Pattern and Cervical Proprioception in Adults with Text Neck Syndrome in Malaysia

“…Therefore, computer users with neck pain had a significant positive correlation with cervical JPE. 26 However, the current research did not find a significant association between time spent using a gadget and CP. This finding was inconsistent with the previous study, which found that prolonged use of a tablet computer in a head-forward, neck-flexed posture did not significantly increase cervical JPE.…”

Cervical Joint Position Sense and Its Correlations with Postural Stability in Subjects with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

“…In addition, it influences re-education and motor learning. [9,10]. Impaired position sense reduces the capacity to maintain joint stability and impairs postural control and bodily balance [11].…”

“…Cervical joint position sense (JPS) in the neck region can be evaluated using various techniques, such as the target head-positioning tests, ultrasound-based kinaesthetic evaluation systems, and three-dimensional FASTRAK measurement procedures [12]. Although it is not the gold standard, the target head-repositioning test employing a cervical range of motion (CROM) device is the most employed method in scientific research [9,[13][14][15]. The multitude of receptors in the cervical joint, capsule, ligament, and peri-articular structures transmits afferent proprioceptive signals to the higher centers and contributes to efficient proprioception [16].…”

Age-Related Decline in Cervical Proprioception and Its Correlation with Functional Mobility and Limits of Stability Assessed Using Computerized Posturography: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Older (65+ Years) and Younger Adults

“…Numerous researchers have investigated the association between the aging process and structural changes in the articular and cutaneous receptors [ 21 , 37 , 38 ]. In addition, age-related changes in the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, can also contribute to impaired proprioception [ 26 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. This can result in the slower processing of proprioceptive information, leading to a reduced ability to accurately perceive joint position and movement [ 10 ].…”

“…Reduced proprioception was nearly four times more detrimental to the subjects’ ability to maintain their balance than decreased visual input [ 45 ]. Yet, when both proprioception and visual input were reduced, the relative chance of losing balance increased by 5.7 to 7.4 times [ 43 ]. Not only does diminished muscular strength affect older adults’ balance, but so does diminished sensory input: the adjusted odds of losing balance dropped by 20% for every Nm/kg increase in the subject’s muscle strength [ 16 ].…”