Investigation of the relationship between neck pain and disability severity and upper extremity performance in individuals with chronic neck pain

Investigation of the Relationship Between Neck Pain and Disability Severity and Upper Extremity Performance in Individuals with Chronic Neck Pain Our study was planned to investigate the relationship between neck pain and disability and upper extremity performance in individuals with chronic neck pain. Patients with chronic neck pain aged 18-65 years were included in the study. Demographic and physical characteristics of the individuals were recorded. Neck pain severity of the subjects was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale and neck disability level was assessed by the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale. Jamar® hand dynamometer (J. A. Preston Corporation, Clifton, NJ) for upper extremity strength, seated medicine ball throw test for upper extremity power, closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test for upper extremity endurance, Nelson Visual Hand Reaction Test for upper extemity reaction time were used. Upper extremity functionality measured by Upper Extremity Functional Index-20 (UEFI-20). Sixty-three volunteers with chronic neck pain with a mean age of 43.19 ± 12.68 years were included in the study. As a result of our evaluation, there was a relationship between neck pain at rest and upper extremity endurance and reaction time (rho: -0.290, r: 0.281; p<0.05); there was no correlation between upper extremity strength, power and functionality parameters (p>0.05). Neck pain in activity was associated with upper extremity functionality (r: -0.422; p<0.05); upper extremity strength, power, endurance and reaction time parameters were not correlated (p>0.05). There is a relationship between night neck pain and upper extremity strength, reaction time and functionality parameters (rho: -0.272, r: 0.258, r: -0.405; p<0.05); there was no correlation between neck pain at night and upper extremity power and endurance parameters (p>0.05). There was a relationship between the severity of neck disability and upper extremity strength and functionality (rho: -0.279, rho: -0.598; p<0.05); there was no correlation between neck disability and upper extremity power, endurance and reaction time parameters (p>0.05). As a result of our study, it was determined that not only the neck region but also the upper extremity performance and function could be affected in patients with chronic neck pain due to the severity of pain and disability. Accordingly, we think that the upper extremity should be evaluated in individuals with neck pain and it would be beneficial to determine the effects in this region. Keywords: Chronic pain, functional performance, neck, upper extremity