Proprioceptive Puzzle: Effects on Quantitative Sensory Tests and Body Awareness

Background: Cervical proprioception, referring to the awareness of the head's position in space, plays a crucial role in maintaining postural control and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. While previous research has established the importance of cervical proprioception in motor function, its specific impact on body awareness and pain-related aspects remains less explored, particularly in healthy young individuals.

Aim: This prospective cross-sectional study aims to investigate the impact of cervical proprioceptive error on body awareness, pressure pain threshold, pressure pain tolerance, conditioned pain modulation, and temporal summation in healthy young individuals.

Methods: In asymptomatic participants, cervical proprioception will be assessed using the 'head position error test' in both right and left rotation directions with the CROM device. Participants will be then divided into two groups based on the presence of proprioceptive deviation (\>5°). Body awareness will beassessed using the 'Body Awareness Questionnaire,' while pressure pain threshold, pain tolerance, and temporal summation will be measured bilaterally with an algometer device (2 cm lateral to the C2 and C7 spinal processes, midpoint of the upper part of the trapezius, and over the temporomandibular joint) in both groups. Subsequently, the two groups will be compared using independent samples t-tests.

Cervical proprioception, which refers to the awareness of the head's position in space, is a fundamental component of postural control and the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. This sense is mediated by sensory receptors located in the muscles, joints, and skin of the cervical spine, providing critical feedback for maintaining balance and coordinating movements. Previous studies have extensively documented the role of cervical proprioception in motor function, highlighting its importance in activities that require precise head and neck movements.

Despite these findings, there is a gap in the literature regarding the specific impact of cervical proprioception on body awareness and pain-related parameters in healthy individuals. Body awareness, or the conscious perception of body position and movement, is essential for efficient motor control and overall well-being. Additionally, understanding how proprioceptive errors in the cervical region might influence pain perception could provide insights into mechanisms underlying chronic pain conditions.

The primary aim of this prospective cross-sectional study is to investigate the impact of cervical proprioceptive error on body awareness, pressure pain threshold, pressure pain tolerance, conditioned pain modulation, and temporal summation in asymptomatic young individuals.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

\* Being between 18-25 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of cervical spine injuries or disorders
* Chronic pain conditions or diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders
* Previous neck or spine surgeries
* Neurological or psychiatric conditions affecting proprioception or pain perception
* Use of medications influencing pain sensitivity or proprioception
* Pregnancy