Altered trunk head co-ordination in those with persistent neck pain

Background: Decreased neck motion and sensorimotor deficits have been identified in those with neck pain. It is thought that these might be related to altered reflex mechanisms between the neck, eyes and the vestibular system. Trunk, head co-ordination might also be altered in neck pain. Objectives: This study investigated trunk head co-ordination ability in subjects with neck pain compared to asymptomatic controls. Method: Twenty–four subjects with persistent neck pain and twenty-six age and gender matched healthy controls performed 3 trials of 3 trunk movements whilst trying to keep the head still - (1) alternate trunk movement to the left and right (2) trunk movement to the left (3) trunk movement to the right. Wireless motion sensors positioned over the sternum and the forehead measured trunk and head range and velocity of motion. Analysis: ANOVA was used to compare trunk and head range and velocity of motion during the 3 tasks. Results: Neck pain subjects had significantly less trunk movement (p < 0.05) and velocity (p