Comparison of the effects of proprioception and tactile acuity training on range of motion, pain, proprioception, tactile acuity and disability in patients with chronic neck pain

This study was performed to compare the effects of proprioception and tactile acuity training on pain, disability, tactile acuity, range of motion, and proprioception in individuals with chronic neck pain. A total of 57 individuals aged between 20-60 years who were diagnosed with chronic neck pain were included. Individuals were stratified based on their ages (20.0-34.9 years and 35.0-60.0 years) and then randomly divided into three groups: the Tactile Accuracy Training (TAT) Group (n=17), the Proprioception Training (PE) Group (n=17), and the Control (C) Group (n=17). Tactile accuracy training was applied to the individuals in the TDI Group, and proprioceptive training was implemented to those in the PE Group three days a week for four weeks. No treatment was provided to the K Group. All individuals were evaluated at baseline and immediately after the last treatment session. 'Numerical Pain Scale' was used to evaluate the pain intensity. Pressure pain threshold, temporal summation of mechanical pain, and conditioned pain modulation were assessed at the bilateral upper trapezius muscle belly with an 'Algometer'. The pressure pain threshold was also assessed on the tibialis anterior muscle belly of the dominant side. Tactile acuity was assessed with a caliper, and range of motion and proprioception (joint position sense) were assessed with a digital goniometer. At the end of the four-week treatment, there was a greater improvement in pain intensity, pressure pain threshold of the tibialis anterior muscle, and tactile acuity in the painful side in the TAT Group compared to the C Group(p<0.05), and there was a greater improvement pain intensity, disability, tactile acuity in the other side and joint position sense of cervical lateral flexion and rotation in the painful side in the PE Group compared to the C Group (p<0.05). There was a greater improvement in pain intensity and joint position sense of cervical lateral flexion and rotation in the painful side in the PE Group compared to the TDE Group (p<0.05), and there was a greater improvement in the pressure pain threshold of the tibialis anterior muscle in the TDE Group compared to the PE Group (p<0.05). It was concluded that proprioceptive training reduces pain intensity more than tactile acuity or wait-and-see, and tactile accuity training creates a systemic effect for pain reduction in the management of chronic neck pain. Keywords: Pain, Somatosensory Training, Proprioception, Hyperalgesia, Rehabilitation.