Accelerometer-Based Assessment of Head-Trunk Coordination in Subjects with Chronic Neck Pain

Background: Chronic neck pain is a prevalent condition significantly affecting the quality of life and functional abilities of individuals. The complex interplay between pain and sensorimotor impairments highlights the need for accurate assessment methods to better understand the underlying mechanisms and guide effective interventions. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to enhance the development of assessment methodologies for individuals afflicted with chronic neck pain. By deepening our understanding of sensorimotor control and its interplay with individual characteristics, the study aspires to improve rehabilitation outcomes and offer targeted interventions. The principal research question addresses the intra- and inter-session reliability of an accelerometer in evaluating head-trunk coordination in patients with chronic neck pain. Secondary questions focus on two main concerns: firstly, the impact of using a mirror for visual feedback on head stability; and secondly, the degree of correlation between head stability and factors such as pain intensity, disability, dizziness or onset of pain. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 19 participants with chronic neck pain to evaluate the intra- and inter-session reliability of an accelerometer for head-trunk coordination assessment. Participants performed the Head-Trunk Coordination Test (HTCT) facing a wall then facing a mirror. The test was taken twice on the same day, and a third time within a week. A statistical analysis for reliability and exploration of correlations was conducted. Results: Intra-session reliability was mainly moderate to good, while inter-session reliability was considered reasonable. No significant correlations were observed between accelerometer parameters and Neck Disability Index (NDI), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), or pain onset. However, the use of visual feedback with a mirror resulted in reduced head movement on one parameter, while three parameters remained unchanged. Conclusions: This accelerometer-based method is reliable for assessing head-trunk coordination, but inter-session reliability may be influenced by subject variability. The mean of accelerations in absolute values appears to be the most informative parameter. Further investigation is needed to address the variability observed among subjects and to explore ways to document the clinical evolution of neck pain patients. Keywords: Neck Pain, Sensorimotor, Coordination, IMU, Acceleromete