Clinical trial NCT06559397: Proprioceptive Puzzle: Effects on Quantitative Sensory Tests and Body Awareness
Official title: Proprioceptive Puzzle: the Effect of Cervical Proprioceptive Errors on Quantitative Sensory Tests and Body Awareness in Young Adults
Study type: OBSERVATIONAL
Overall status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Conditions: Cervical Proprioceptive Error in Healthy Young Individuals
Keywords: Cervical proprioception
Joint position sense
Pain
Temporal summation
Mechanosensitivity
Conditioned pain modulation
Lead sponsor: Atılım University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2024-08-19
Enrollment: 60
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 25
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Observational model: CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective: PROSPECTIVE
Sampling method: NON_PROBABILITY_SAMPLE
Study population: The study involves healthy young participants aged between 18 and 25 years. The participants will be divided into two groups based on the presence of cervical proprioceptive deviation (greater than 5°) as measured by the 'head position error test' using a CROM device.

Brief summary: 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.

Detailed description: 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

Primary outcomes:
measure: Quantitative sensory testing
timeFrame: Immediately after the intervention
measure: Assessment of body awareness
timeFrame: Immediately after the intervention
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Ankara
country: Turkey
facility: Atılım University
Study officials:
affiliation: Atılım University
name: Nagihan Acet
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
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